ACT budget backs events, tourism and healthy lifestyles

Facing significant cuts in its Federal Government funding, the ACT Government has opted for a strategy of investment in its latest 2014/15 budget.

ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr is focussing on capital works and encouraging private investment, with a range of programs to support innovation, events, tourism and healthy lifestyles.

In tourism, the ACT budget will back the development of international airline access to Canberra, matched with sustained funding for tourism marketing and events.

Funding for tourism will $800,000 for the development of Brand Canberra, $750,000 to expand tourism growth partnerships and $150,000 to assist public sector employees transition to the private sector.

The ACT Government will also be investing in the National Arboretum to transform it into a premier events venue, progressing the Australia Forum convention centre to an investment ready stage and design development around the City to the Lake project.

The tourism funding pledges have been welcomed by industry.

Canberra Business Council Chief Executive Chris Faulks stated “continuing to progress the Australia Forum will help with this goal.

“Investing in the National Arboretum to transform it into a premier events venue will also give the ACT another venue able to attract and support this sector of the tourism market.

“Major events can attract large crowds to Canberra and give visitors an introduction to our wonderful city and make them want to return.

“We have seen the impact major events can have on visitor numbers and spending during successive blockbuster exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia and the Centenary events."

The Territory’s budget is also investing more than $13 million in new initiatives to help Canberrans live healthier and more active lifestyles as part of $53.9 million in new and ongoing funding for high quality sport and recreation facilities, programs and services.

Towards Zero Growth sets out the ambitious goal of zero growth in obesity within the ACT focused on strategies that make active and healthy lifestyle choices easier.

These include:

Healthy weight action plan: $3.6 million is being invested over the next four years to achieve a ‘zero growth’ target in the rate of obesity and numbers of people overweight in our community. A range of programs will assist to reduce the burden on our health services and make active and healthy lifestyle choices easier.

Walking and cycling network: $4.8 million over the next two years is allocated to improving and expanding walking and cycling infrastructure. This funding will deliver improved connectivity to public transport and schools and help achieve a number of targets under the Transport for Canberra Plan and the Healthy Weight Initiative, including the Ride or Walk to School Program. The funding will also provide for design and construction of local cycling and walking links, accessibility audits in one south and one north Canberra suburb and delivery of new separated cycling infrastructure.

Lyneham Sports Precinct: stage 4 tennis facility enhancement: Funding of $3 million over the next two years will support the final stage construction of the Tennis ACT facility including a four court indoor tennis centre and junior courts. This investment will leverage a range of additional Tennis Australia events to activate this important regional tennis facility.

Increased sports grants: asset repair and maintenance scheme: Provision of $500,000 in extra funding for the Sport and Recreation Grants Program will continue to support community sporting organisations undertake repairs and maintenance to facilities that they own, manage or lease.

Sportsground irrigation: An additional $500,000 will supplement the existing appropriation for the water costs associated with irrigating ACT Government sportsgrounds to ensure that the quality of sportsgrounds in the Territory is maintained.

Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre: water play park: $600,000 has been allocated for the design and preliminary work on a children’s water play park within the Lakeside Leisure Centre, similar to areas enjoyed by patrons of Dickson Pool and the Gungahlin Leisure Centre.

Active Kids Challenge: Funding of $330,000 over the next three years for the Active Kids Challenge will help reduce the impact of childhood inactivity and promote healthy lifestyle habits to primary school children.

The ACT Government plans to raise money for its budget programs through borrowing, private investment and asset sales.

9th June 2013 - ACT GOVERNMENT TO FUND SPORT FACILITY UPGRADE

23rd August 2012 - BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITIONS VITAL FOR ACT TOURISM