School scores on soccer field

A FIFA-accredited high school soccer field and a $159 million overhaul of public housing form part of a $2.8bn ACT infrastructure package.

A FIFA-accredited high school soccer field and a $159 million overhaul of public housing form part of a $2.8 billion infrastructure package unveiled by the ACT government yesterday.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s other initiatives included a $125,000 annual boost to Canberra’s Christmas festivities, including renovating the existing Christmas tree.

The government agreed to a one-year, $250,000 subsidy to the Canberra Capitals women’s basketball team to help it compete in the national league, and $130,000 for independent study to help the government sustainably manage urban trees.

The budget allocated $1.6m to help lure direct international flights to Canberra Airport, with Mr Barr soon jetting over to sell his budget in Singapore.

About $1.4m was dedicated to continuing the city’s “We are CBR” marketing push.

There was $6.7m announced for soccer facilities at Melrose High School, in Mawson, including a FIFA-accredited synthetic football field, natural turf grass field, sports pavilion, lighting carpark and multi-use hard courts.

There was $90m for road projects, mostly in Canberra’s burgeoning north, and $159.2m to replace 352 public dwellings as the first stage of a four-year program to provide 1288 “modern and efficient” homes for low-income people.