2023-06-02
ACT Greens MLA for Yerrabi Andrew Braddock will next week call on the ACT Government to actively promote Gungahlin when attracting economic development to Canberra.
“Gungahlin is more than just a dormitory for civic and parliamentary triangle workers,” said Mr. Braddock.
“Many of my constituents would love to work close to home, but as it stands more people work in the airport and its surrounds than in all of Gungahlin.”
Census data shows that the proportion of workers resident in Gungahlin who work close to home is 21%. This is the lowest of all of Canberra’s five major districts.
“As the first town centre since self-government, development in Gungahlin just hasn’t brought the same economic opportunities found elsewhere in this city.”
The Greens are calling for district-specific employment targets, and their inclusion in the city’s economic development strategy.
“For all the talk about economic development, we’re not seeing the results close to where people live. Each of our districts has unique needs, and we need the government to acknowledge this in their strategy.”
Mr Braddock will ask the legislative assembly to formally join in these calls on the government on Tuesday 6 June.
“It’s about recognising that different parts of Canberra have different needs, and clearly presenting the associated opportunities in our districts.”
Andrew Braddock MLA is available for comment.