Media Release – ACT Infrastructure Plan Update Lacks Detail and Federal Government Support

29 June 2023

Today the ACT Government has released its Entertainment, Arts and Sports Infrastructure Plan Update, but has failed to provide a cohesive and integrated long-term plan for the region’s infrastructure needs.

Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins said, “Today’s update to ACT Infrastructure Plan answers some important questions about the where a future stadium, convention centre and theatre will be located but fails to plan for the transport, energy, and utilities infrastructure to support these projects.”

Mr Hopkins said, “The ACT still has a long way to go until it has a long-term integrated regional infrastructure plan to guide our growth and help attract Federal Government funding into the region.”

“With the ACT’s population forecast to reach half a million residents by 2027, it is critical that the Federal and ACT Governments work together with other infrastructure providers to develop a regional infrastructure plan to support sustainable growth of the region,” he said.

Mr Hopkins said, “The MBA has long advocated for a long-term infrastructure plan for the ACT, and it is pleasing to see the ACT Government extend its infrastructure planning horizon to 20 years.”

“However, no other major Australian city plans infrastructure by releasing seven piecemeal infrastructure plans over 12 months like the ACT Government is planning to do,” he said.
Mr Hopkins explained, “If the ACT is to get a greater share of Federal infrastructure funding, the ACT’s infrastructure plan should illustrate how all physical and social infrastructure will be integrated, funded and when it will be delivered to support our growth over the long-term.”

“A long-term funded pipeline of infrastructure projects helps local building and construction companies plan for the future, build their teams and set up their businesses to deliver the region’s infrastructure needs,” he said.

Mr Hopkins said, “With an increase in funding for local construction training, the ACT could build a local workforce capable of delivering the region’s long-term infrastructure projects which will help maximize the benefits to the local economy.”

The MBA looks forward to the completion of infrastructure plan and encourages the Federal Government to commit a greater share of the nation’s infrastructure funding to the Canberra region,” Mr Hopkins concluded.

Authorised by Michael Hopkins on behalf of Master Builders Association of the ACT.