Mawson Group Centre could finally get a facelift as money is announced for upgrades. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
The ACT Government has announced $10 million in funding for Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden ahead of Tuesday’s Budget.
The money to be delivered over four years will go towards suburban upgrades, sports facilities and active travel infrastructure in the southern Canberra suburbs.
Planning and early works for the Molonglo Town Centre and Stromlo Forest Park will also get funding.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the funding was part of a Labor commitment to improving the lives of people in the area.
“This Budget delivers a strong pipeline of infrastructure and local upgrades across Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo, supporting growing communities and improving the services people rely on,” he said.
“The investment in tracks and trails at UC Stromlo will ensure that park continues to offer range of new experiences for mountain bikers and other users, based directly on their feedback in the master plan.”
Funding has been announced for female-friendly change room upgrades at Mawson, Phillip, and Hughes; change room and toilet upgrades at North Curtin Oval; improved lighting at Waramanga Oval; stage one of the Stromlo Forest Park Tracks and Trails master plan, upgrades to Mawson Group Centre; and footpath and lighting upgrades in Woden and Weston Creek
Molonglo Valley Community Forum (MVCF) convenor Ryan Hemsley said the group was pleased by the announcement of funding in the Molonglo Valley but more was needed.
“The Molonglo Valley Community Forum is pleased to see progress on planning for the Molonglo Town Centre and investment in the nearby Stromlo Forest Park. These are important facilities for our growing district,” he said.
“However, the scale of growth in the Molonglo Valley demands commensurate investment in services and infrastructure.”
Mawson shops is another long awaited project. Mr Steel said the government had made a promise to improve the shops.
“We are delivering on Labor’s commitment to upgrade Mawson shops, with improved pedestrian access, landscaping and other improvements to make it an even better place to visit our thriving local businesses,” he said.
Minister for Women Marisa Paterson welcomed the funding investment to make sports facilities more inclusive.
“These investments in community sport and recreation facilities will create spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported and inspired to participate, especially women and girls,” she said.
Change room upgrades will include privacy screens at doorways and change seats in showers.
The government also highlighted investments in bicycle paths and footpaths for the area.
“I’ve been advocating for better path networks and improved lighting across our suburbs, so I’m thrilled to see this funding in the Budget to help keep our community connected, safe and active,” Dr Paterson said.
It comes shortly after cycling advocacy group Pedal Power announced that planning was under way for a cycle bridge across Weston Creek at Coombs.
Better travel infrastructure has been a local pressure point for the southern suburbs, with traffic a major issue during the last ACT election.
Mr Hemsley said that while these changes were a positive step, his group wanted to see a unified plan for the area.
“When the 2025-26 ACT Budget is released, we will be looking beyond standalone announcements for a strategic, fully-funded pipeline of projects that will meet the long-term needs of our community,” he said.
