Future-Proofing the Territory at the ACT Major Projects Conference

Future-proofing the ACT socially, culturally and sustainably will light the fuse for an efficient and economically developed Territory that maintains and even improves the quality of life of its residents and visitors, according to the speakers at the 3^rd ACT Major Projects Conference 2018.

The conference, which took place on the 28^th and 29^th of August at Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel, featured a number of private and public sector individuals outlining the most major infrastructure projects taking form within Australia’s Capital.

Within and beyond these projects lay a depth of knowledge imparted by speakers, each relating to infrastructure’s role in shaping the Territory’s future.

Adrian Piani, Canberra Area Manager at AECOM said that to lead Canberra into a sustainable 2050, its spaces need to be more human scale than car scale, developed with long-term and integrated plans.

Utilising the array of green space occupying the city, creating more open, well-designed and human-friendly areas, would be one step towards a high-quality future.

One of the ACT’s largest infrastructure projects being developed, the Light Rail, was also discussed in depth by its Stage 1 Project Director Meghan Oldfield.

Oldfield provided delegates with updates on the project, noting that its key objective is not to remediate today’s transport problems, but rather to sustainably prevent future congestion sure to occur in the wake of Canberra’s projected population boost.  

CEO of the Cultural Facilities Corporation Harriet Elvin discussed the pressing need for a major new theatre in Canberra.

She stressed that while Canberra’s existing cultural facilities were well-valued by Canberrans, opportunities to bring in larger-scale shows and as a result, enhance the ACT’s economy and tourist pool are missed without the presence of a larger theatre.

The 2018-2019 ACT Budget provided $1.2 million for a full Business Case for the theatre, propelling forward plans for its development.

Located near the theatre’s proposed site is the $300 million multi-building precinct Constitution Place, set to be completed in 2020.

Richard Snow, Head of Property at Canberra Airport provided an in-depth outline of the project at the conference.

He explored the project’s potential to redefine work-life balance for the 3000+ employees working within the precinct and nearby, as well as providing any tourists travelling through the city with a host of retail and food options.

Constitution Place will act as an urban hub within Canberra, comprising of two 5-star NABERS rated buildings housing public and private sector offices and a 130-room hotel, and below, an activated food and beverage laneway connecting Constitution Avenue with the existing Canberra Theatre.

The path towards a successful future is of course complex, relying on a great deal of economic and social factors.

But at this year’s ACT Major Projects Conference, the infrastructure projects and insights examined paint a promising picture of a progressive and fruitful future for the Territory.

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