The Canberra Liberals have announced they will match funding from the Federal Government for infrastructure projects in the ACT, including $87.5 million for the Molonglo River Bridge, if elected.
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja was joined on Monday 5 October by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Canberra Liberals leader Alistair Coe for the announcement, which also includes $50 million for road upgrades in the south-west of Canberra, and $2.5 million for planning work for Parkes Way.
Also announced was an additional $15.25 million for upgrades to the Monaro Highway.
Mr Seselja said the “shovel ready” works would support “local jobs and businesses at the time it is needed most”.
The projects would require further funding from the ACT Government.
The Canberra Liberals have said they will match the Federal Government spending to fund the balance of the projects to “get them underway”.
“If we’re elected in less than two weeks, we will get these projects underway as a top priority. We want to get things done to kickstart our economy and ensure everyone has the road infrastructure required to slash commutes,” said Canberra Liberals leader Alistair Coe.
Liberal candidate for Murrumbidgee, Jeremy Hanson, said the Canberra Liberals would work to see the Molonglo River Bridge constructed within the next four years.
ACT Labor has said it will match the funding for the Molonglo River Bridge and is awaiting details on the other projects.
“The John Gorton Drive Bridge was part of Labor’s Plan for Molonglo, and the matched funding agreement will support the project,” a spokeswoman said.
“Early design works have been completed for the project and funding provided by the ACT Labor Government to progress with the necessary pre-Development Application approvals. The next stage of this project is detail design.
“We await further details on the other projects announced by the Commonwealth today, but in principle we welcome investment in Canberra that creates jobs,” the spokeswoman said.
Master Builders ACT welcomed the funding announcement from the Federal Government and CEO Michael Hopkins said it would be “vital” the projects be delivered by local contractors to see the maximum benefit of the funding in the ACT.
