ACT Govt considers fast-tracking minor works
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Katy Gallagher says the Government may need to bring forward some of its expenditure. (ABC News)
The ACT Government is considering whether it needs to develop an economic stimulus package early in the new year.
The issue was discussed with key stakeholders at an infrastructure roundtable hosted by Treasurer Katy Gallagher this morning.
Ms Gallagher says there was a general view that action may be needed to ensure businesses remain in the Territory.
She says that could involve fast-tracking expenditure on projects that would otherwise have been put off for a year or two.
"You would probably be looking at minor works, looking at airconditioning systems, looking at upgrading buildings, looking in the community sector what can we do there, looking across government - rather than big capital ideas that will take two years to get through the planning and design and consultation phase," she said.
"What can we do now? Because next year's going to be a very tough year."
Ms Gallagher says there may also be some scope to fast-track parts of the Canberra Hospital rebuild.
"There are parts of the hospital development where there does seem to be strong community support for it such as the Women's and Children's Hospital where I will be taking some advise about whether or not we can move a bit more quickly with that project to ensure that we do have big projects like that out and contracts signed and construction begin," she said.
The ACT Government has also committed to completing a 20 year infrastructure plan to give investors certainty about the future.
The Property Council has been arguing for a long term plan like the South-East Queensland plan which sets out infrastructure needs, timelines and financing arrangements.
Ms Gallagher says stakeholders have expressed a strong desire for such a plan.
"What it does - say it's completed by the end of next year - is that it sets out to investors and potential investors exactly where we want to be in 20 years and perhaps that gives our economy ... the opportunity to retain businesses here and attract business," she said.
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