ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has welcomed the commitment from Labor today to invest $100 million in the territory but said more is needed as part of a comprehensive vision for Canberra based on genuine consultation with the community.
“We did not get a single cent of the $10 billion in federal funding the former Coalition government handed out to every state and territory except the ACT under the old City Deals program,” Senator Pocock said.
“While $100 million in additional funding is welcome and shows what can happen when the community votes to bring more competition into our political system, we need a bigger commitment and more comprehensive vision based on community consultation.
“I’ve consistently pushed for a new Convention Centre co-located with a city stadium over the past three years because of the flow-on economic benefits and efficiencies this will deliver. As the National Capital we should be able to host large events and we simply can’t in the current facility which is the second oldest in the country.
“I’d like to see both major parties committing to be funding partners for the whole project, not just what appears to be a costly feasibility study.
“But my advocacy for the new Convention Centre is part of a plan that also unlocks new land for desperately needed additional housing and includes investments for priority projects right across the territory, especially the much neglected southern suburbs and growing centres like Gungahlin.
“The A Vision for Canberra project I launched in August 2023 based on broad consultation with the community looks at the kind of investments we need in transport, community sport, a purpose-built Multicultural Centre and other infrastructure.
“People in the community tell me they are sick of seeing pre-election sweeteners and want to see long-term plans, like the ten-year National Housing and Homelessness Plan I have a bill to legislate.
“Our community also wants to be genuinely consulted on new projects to ensure they are accessible and meet their needs.”