Community organisations and local businesses will benefit from the ACT Government’s new $25 million infrastructure and maintenance project fund to fast track essential upgrades to community facilities.

During this period of COVID restrictions, it is important to keep the economy going and these projects will ensure local businesses are able to keep Canberrans in work. The upgrades will include disability access improvements, renewable energy upgrades and beautification projects at eight ACT Government owned community facilities across our city.

Minister for Disability and Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr said the projects were important for the local community.

“Inclusion and support for those living with a disability is extremely important. These improvements to our community facilities will have a tangible benefit to Canberrans living with a disability and will help make our city even more inclusive for all members of our community,” Minister Orr said.

“We also need to keep our city going during the COVID-19 pandemic and these fast-tracked projects will create job opportunities for local workers and support Canberra’s businesses.”

Disability access improvements will be undertaken across the following facilities:

• kitchen and accessibility upgrades at the Griffin Community Centre to improve services for the Blind Society, ACT Mental Health Consumer Network and Community Radio 2XX FM;
• front door improvements at the Belconnen Community Centre to increase accessibility;
• accessibility and security upgrades for the Weston Community Hub;
• upgrades to the disability facilities within the Woden Community Centre; and
• upgrades to the exit door at the Grant Cameron Community Centre allowing clients with mobility issues to exit the facility without requiring assistance.

In addition to these projects, the following work will also be undertaken:

• installation of Solar PV to Grant Cameron Community Centre, Weston Creek Community Hub, Flynn Community Hub, Cook Community Hub and Chifley Community Hub; and
• construction of a community inclusive garden space at the Pearce Community Centre

Minister Orr said the Canberra community will benefit from these improvements in the longer term, particularly when our facilities are back up and running as normal.

“We are improving facilities that will serve and strengthen our community long into the future,” Minister Orr said.

“Canberrans can look forward to joining their friends and neighbours in even better community facilities once the current health emergency has passed.”

Pearce Community Centre President Carol Mead said the project would make a big difference to the local community.

“The project is vital for the people with disabilities who use the Pearce Community Centre every day of the week, and the wider community of frail and aged people who live in the area as an inclusive accessible garden to enjoy and connect with others,” Carol Mead said.

“On a day to day basis the garden will be a source of interaction and enjoyment, the opportunity to learn skills or assist with gardening and watering. As much as possible we will be sourcing sensory plants to broaden the experience for everyone.”

In choosing projects to fast track, the ACT Government has focused on works that can start immediately, be undertaken using local businesses and workers, meet social distancing requirements and be completed by 30 June 2020.

To view a list of fast-tracked infrastructure and maintenance projects please visit act.gov.au/fasttrack.

Statement ends