Published today, the ACT Government’s economic plan for the next three years, CBR Switched On, will make Canberra “an even more attractive place to live, work, study, do business and invest in,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“Our 2022–2025 [economic development] priorities support the continued wellbeing of Canberrans, while building a more diverse, resilient and prosperous economy. We have identified areas of strength in our city and economy that we will build on to support the creation of new jobs and more opportunities for Canberrans.”

Mr Barr envisages that Canberra will be even more an environmentally responsible city, with high standards of wellbeing and liveability, and a knowledge economy based on inclusive innovation and responsible investment.

ACT Government services will move online, and digital hubs will give Canberrans better access to technology and digital design infrastructure. The economy will be electrified through the Big Canberra Battery, more efficient buildings and homes (bringing down energy bills), phasing out fossil-fuel gas, and driving down transport emissions (significantly more zero emissions vehicles).

Canberra is already “the knowledge capital of Australia and a hub for innovation and creativity”, the plan states; while innovation precincts are based around universities and research institutions, the entire ACT will become “a city-wide hub for developing and trialling new ideas”. For instance, the government is trialling world-first drone delivery technologies, and Seeing Machines to help humans interact with semi-automated vehicles. A new Cyber, Space and Advanced Technology Hub will make Canberra “the go-to place for the industries of the future”.

Similarly, the government will provide venture capital for social entrepreneurs and small businesses, improve digital planning, and make Canberra Airport an international transport hub.

“These are examples of the Government’s approach to ensuring Canberra remains one of the most liveable and sustainable cities in the world,” Mr Barr said.

“Canberra is already well-recognised as a progressive, sustainable, and innovative city that values people and ideas. By working with willing partners both here and around the globe, we will ensure Canberra is prepared for new challenges and able to grasp the opportunities that will come from the next phase of our economic growth.”

Small business is big business as far as the ACT economy is concerned, and is key to the territory’s future economic prosperity, the Canberra Business Chamber said as it welcomed the Chief Minister’s Statement of Ambition.

“We congratulate the Chief Minister on the release of the Statement of Ambition,” said Chamber CEO, Graham Catt. “The business community has been eagerly awaiting our government’s vision for the future as we emerge from the COVID19 pandemic.

“Our economic priorities must include a focus on helping small businesses become bigger businesses, and we welcome the government’s commitment to supporting investment in this area.

“We need to remove barriers to small business success and ensure that we understand and prepare for the risks ahead, like rapidly growing supply challenges and inflation. Our members will now be looking forward to hearing more details of policy initiatives and investments in the upcoming ACT budget.”