ACT Labor has announced its third regional plan of the week: Molonglo Valley follows Tuggeranong and Woden / Weston Creek.
Labor says a new Molonglo Town Centre is at the heart of its plan for the fast-growing district. Earlier this year, planning minister and local MLA Chris Steel said the government intended to reclassify the commercial centre (large mall) as Canberra’s sixth town centre (regional hub), building on a promise Mr Steel made before the 2020 election. The government has sought approval from the National Capital Authority to include a town centre in the National Capital Plan.
If re-elected, Labor says it would provide more services, amenities and housing options in the new Molonglo Town Centre.
These would include a police station (as the Canberra Liberals have already promised); an emergency services station (announced last year, construction begins this year, and is due to be completed in 2025–26); a library and community centre (a design process began in March); a flexible working hub for ACT Government employees; a child and family centre; and a new public high school and college.
Mixed-use developments would deliver more housing, while community facility land would be released for cultural groups to use for religious worship.
Infrastructure projects include Stage 1 of the Molonglo Parkway-Drive Connector, connecting the Molonglo Town Centre to the Tuggeranong Parkway; the Molonglo River Bridge (expected to open five years later than Labor first promised); and the John Gorton Drive Extension.
Labor would expand paediatric services at the Health Centre in Coombs; build footpaths; and progress stage one of the Stromlo Forest Park Master Plan.
“Molonglo Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in Canberra, and Labor has a plan to deliver the services and infrastructure the community will need,” a Labor spokeswoman said.
“Only a Labor Government can be trusted to deliver the infrastructure Molonglo needs while improving the things locals love. It’s all part of our practical, proven and progressive plan for Canberra.”
Independents for Canberra candidate Anne-Louise Dawes pointed out that several of the policies had been announced before.
“Very good plans for Molonglo published by ACT Labor, and not unfamiliar: the library, health care centre and the bike trail from Stromlo to the Cotter were all promised, and budgeted for, in the lead-up to the last election in 2020.
“The announcement in 2020 of the bike track sent great ripples of excitement through the cycling community, with websites alive with fanfare about the prospect. The trail idea came from a community consultation undertaken six years ago that suggested the benefits to tourism, recreation and competitive mountain bike racing from some investment in a trail from Stromlo to the Cotter.
“Let’s keep an eye on the delivery of these great projects. If they don’t materialise in due time, we can expect the excitement to be reignited when they’re trotted out again ahead of the 2028 election.”
Independent candidate Fiona Carrick, contesting the seat of Murrumbidgee, said: “If I am elected, I will keep a focus on the planning and delivery of vital infrastructure in a timely manner.
“I will work with the community to ensure we have governance arrangements that enable collaboration and great design to ensure the needs of the community are met.
“This will require an emphasis on monitoring the planning and procurement of the infrastructure projects to minimise delays and cost increases.”
