Toilets will be installed at Ruth Park Playground in Coombs.
25 June 2024
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo
- A new community services hub in Woden
- The duplication of Athllon Drive
- More housing for the region
- Upgraded community facilities
- More funding for mowing and horticulture
With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.
Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.
Some of the projects funded in Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo include:
A new community services hub for Woden
The Budget includes funding a new Woden Community Services Hub.
The Hub will replace the existing four buildings currently operated by Woden Community Service, bringing together community and government services within one facility.
Integrating a walk-in health clinic, child and family services and other vital community services, the Hub will provide residents the support they need – efficiently and in one place.
It will also offer more spaces for people to mix and meet as the region grows.
The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.
As part of the program, 11,028 new homes are planned for Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley.
Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive is set to start in the coming months.
The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.
The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive.
This Budget will also provide support for:
- planning for the extension of light rail to Woden
- the construction of a new Woden Bus Depot and a new public transport interchange in Woden, which will incorporate facilities for light rail and connections with nearby active travel networks
- the completion of John Gorton Drive, which includes a new bridge across the Molonglo River and a seven-kilometre dedicated off-road shared path for walking and cycling.
New and upgraded community infrastructure
The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.
Projects include:
- the construction of a new Emergency Services Station in the Molonglo Valley to house ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue staff
- upgrades to Phillip District Enclosed Oval
- commencing construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo District Playing Fields in Molonglo, which will include two rectangular playing fields, a modified AFL oval, LED lighting, a pavilion and site landscaping
- new toilets at Ruth Park Playground in Coombs
- an upgraded toilet at Mawson Shops.
The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.
More funding for mowing and horticulture
The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.
The Budget will include funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.
In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.
More health services
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure for the region.
This includes investing in the continuing redevelopment Canberra Hospital and a new pathology and clinical support building on the campus.
This Budget will also support the establishment of:
- a community-based service in Molonglo for children at risk of delayed development and chronic health conditions
- a Residential Treatment Centre for eating disorders in Coombs.
The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
This Budget will also support:
- the expansion and modernisation of Garran Primary School
- the delivery of Whitlam Primary School and Early Childhood Education Centre
- planning for a new college for the Molonglo Valley
- finalising construction of the new CIT Woden Campus.
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
11,028 new homes are planned for Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley.
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