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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Julia Kanapathippillai

Duplication of Tharwa and Isabella Drives among election promises

Andrew Barr says a new bridge is necessary to connect new suburb Whitlam with the rest of the Molongo Valley. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals have ramped up infrastructure commitments for Molongo and Brindabella districts.

The Liberals announced an infrastructure blitz for Tuggeranong and the Brindabella area, including the duplication of Tharwa drive and Isabella Drive.

"[This] will reduce travel time and reduce travel congestion in the area, it will also make it easier for Tuggeranong residents to get to and from work on a daily basis," Liberal candidate for Brindabella Andrew Wall said.

The Canberra Liberals plan also includes mountain bike paths between Tharwa and Mt Stromlo.

"It will provide not only great recreation opportunities for the area but also opportunities in the tourism space," Mr Wall said.

Sports infrastructure was another area of interest, with the Liberals committing to the creation of an AFL hub in Kambah, upgrades to the Greenway AFL oval and the promise to create a $12.3 million indoor sports centre in Calwell.

The announcement included upgrades to roads, car parks, footpaths, traffic and street lights in the region, as well as general maintenance of the local area.

Liberal candidate for Brindabella Mark Parton used the announcement to criticise the Barr government's strategy in the electorate.

"The people of Tuggeranong have been forgotten and left behind by this Labor government," he said.

Meanwhile ACT Labor announced a slew of new projects in the Molongo region, including plans for a bridge to complete John Gorton Drive.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the bridge would be crucial for residents of Whitlam to have access to the fast-tracked Molonglo Commercial Centre.

"Canberrans that are moving to our new and growing suburbs require great community services and infrastructure," Mr Barr said.

Mr Barr said Labor would create playing fields at Stromlo Forest Park, and consult with the Molonglo community to co-design process a new library and community centre.

Labor announced they will commit to expanding health offerings in the growing region, with a walk-in health centre in Coombs.

Mr Barr reiterated Labor's previous commitment to build zero-emission schools, with a primary school in Denman Prospect due to open next year and the Molongo High school to open in 2023, and their plan to release land for a non-government school in the area.

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