One concept for a new National Convention Centre and Entertainment Precinct. Image: ACT Government.
Labor has promised to green light a new national convention centre, but ACT independent Senator David Pocock says the Federal Government’s election commitment has only come about because of pressure from independents.
Senator Pocock said he, along with strong independent candidates for Lower House seats in the current federal election campaign, are forcing the government to move on infrastructure projects for Canberra that it otherwise might not have done at this time.
He said it shouldn’t be underestimated how much lobbying the independent movement is doing to insist Canberra gets a better deal from federal politicians.
Labor has announced a funding investment of $200 million, shared between the Commonwealth and ACT governments, to kickstart a new National Convention and Entertainment Precinct and Canberra Aquatic Centre in Civic.
The Federal Government’s $100 million will be made under the National Capital Investment Framework.
It will include $31.1 million for feasibility and design work, a detailed business case, and to progress the Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct project to a ‘ready for construction’ stage.
The balance of the Commonwealth’s commitment will be $68.9 million for the design and construction of the Canberra Aquatic Centre on a new site in Commonwealth Park.
The Federal Government’s investment will be matched by the ACT Government.
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the commitment, calling it a critical move to unlock the city’s potential as a true national capital.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region executive director Ashlee Berry said the announcement reflects long-standing advocacy from industry on the clear need for a modern, fit-for-purpose venue.
“Canberra deserves a world-class convention centre that reflects our status as the national capital,” Ms Berry said.
“We’ve been calling for action on this project for years – and today’s announcement marks an important first step.”
The election commitment, funding for which was not included in the Federal Budget on 25 March, was made at the ACT Federal Labor team’s campaign launch on Sunday (6 April).
Later the same day, Senator Pocock spoke at a rally for independent candidate for Bean, Jessie Price, and said Canberrans should thank independent pressure at the federal level for Labor’s commitment.
“Today we saw Labor in the election campaign, under pressure from independents, announce that they’re going to start moving forward with the convention centre in the ACT,” he said.
“That’s what pressure does – and we’ve got to continue to build pressure on them.”
At Labor’s launch, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the funding commitment marks the beginning of a project that will boost the local economy, create and sustain jobs and deliver a convention centre that can host major events befitting of a modern national capital.
“This exciting announcement demonstrates exactly what having a strong voice for Canberra inside the Cabinet can deliver for our city,” Senator Gallagher said.
“For too long, Canberra has put up with a sub-par convention centre that isn’t able to host major summits, conferences or sporting and entertainment events.
“This has not only left our city behind but has limited the potential of our local economy, and it is time that changed.
“We are starting the journey, partnering with the ACT Labor Government, to deliver a world-class National Convention and Entertainment Centre that Canberra and all Australians can be proud of.
“This project will spark renewal in our city centre and stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and breathing new life into the ACT tourism and hospitality sectors.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the investment in the new Canberra Aquatic Centre unlocks the land needed to deliver the new convention and entertainment precinct.
The precinct will have a new, larger capacity convention centre and integrated 8000 seat entertainment centre for live music, entertainment, and indoor sporting events.
“This precinct will cement Canberra’s place on the live music touring and business event and convention circuits, growing our economy and creating more jobs,” Mr Barr said.
“This significant partnership between the federal and territory Labor governments is delivering for Canberra’s future and growing our local economy.
“The new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, located next to the new light rail stops under construction on Commonwealth Avenue, will provide a modern aquatic facility for the Territory and bring more people to Commonwealth Park.”
