Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Koori Preschool provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3 to 5 years with a play-based, culturally safe learning program.
Proud First Nations women Chloe Spratt and Amanda Flemming are driven to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thrive.
They wear many hats as the Early Years Engagement Officers at the ACT Government’s Child and Family Centres.
Central to their role is engaging with parents about their children’s education – and this begins with Koori Preschool.
Koori Preschool provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3 to 5 years with a play-based, culturally safe learning program.
Each week, Chloe and Amanda visit Canberra’s five Koori Preschools to meet with families and staff.
Parents and carers get to know them during drop-off and pick-up times and can approach them to discuss support they might need.
School staff can also discuss any concerns with Chloe or Amanda – with consent from the family. Chloe and Amanda can then link the family to relevant services for support which could include referral into the Child and Family Centres or Child Development Service to assist addressing the individual needs of families.
Both officers are determined to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a positive experience of school.
“I’ve been in the Early Years Engagement Officer for four years and I am very passionate about supporting our children in community and working so closely with the Koori Preschool program,” Chloe said.
They work tirelessly to empower families to play an active role in their child’s learning journey.
Such efforts have played a role in the success of Koori Preschool.
Enrolments have increased over the past five years and school readiness among First Nations preschoolers has also improved.
An additional 100 places at Koori Preschool were funded in last year’s budget.
Both women regard their work as not just a job, but a calling. This dedication illustrates the power of advocacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood development.
“Being that person who family feel culturally connected to and feel safe to yarn with you is a great sense of belonging in the community,” Amanda said.
“I love that as An Early Years Engagement Officer I can help give the best start to the little Borri and help the families get the support they may need for their family.
“I enjoy being able to see the Borris go from strength to strength from the early intervention they may be linked into with the child development.
“I think the best part is when you visit each school the Borri running up to you and saying ‘Aunty Manda, can you came and play with me’ or ‘can you be my partner on the bus’ when I join them on learning on country,” she said.
Koori Preschools operate at five school sites around Canberra, with curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
Ngunnawal Primary School
Kingsford Smith School
Narrabundah Early Childhood School
Wanniassa School
Richardson Primary School.
Parents and carers can enrol Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Koori Preschool at any time between the ages of three and five.
Koori Preschool enrolments are now open for the 2025 school year.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
There is a comprehensive cost-of-living package included in this year’s Budget.
The ACT Government is offering continued support to Canberrans most impacted by cost of living pressures.
Cost of living pressures are being felt across the country and this year’s ACT Budget does more for low-income households.
Supporting apprentices and trainees
One initiative is a new, one-off $250 payment to support local apprentices and trainees.
Apprentices and trainees have a restricted earning capacity while they are obtaining their qualification.
This payment recognises the financial pressures these Canberrans are facing.
The ACT Government will contact eligible apprentices and trainees by the end of September. It is not necessary to apply for the payment.
Assisting families with schooling costs
The ACT Government is also expanding the Future of Education Equity Fund.
The Fund has been hugely successful in supporting students and families in need, helping them with the costs of their education.
Already in 2024, the Future of Education Equity Fund has supported more than 5000 students in Canberra.
More families will be able to get financial assistance with things like textbooks, music lessons and sporting equipment.
Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate
Over 40,000 low-income households in Canberra will also benefit from an increase to the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.
The payment will be increased to $800 per year, helping these households with their home energy costs.
When combined with the $300 Federal Government energy payment, one in five Canberra households will receive $1,100 in assistance towards their energy bills.
Targeted cost of living support
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive cost of living package included in this year’s Budget. The package also includes:
expanding the Utilities Hardship Fund, including increasing vouchers from $100 to $300, to support more households to change their energy use
extending the Rent Relief Fund to support more Canberrans on low incomes who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship
expanding public transport concession fares to include Canberrans with a Commonwealth Low-Income Health Care Card, to support more people accessing buses and light rail
additional funding to Roundabout Canberra, Scouts ACT, Fearless Women and Women’s Health Matters to support these community organisations to continue delivering essential services to vulnerable Canberrans
additional funding for emergency material and financial aid programs and food relief services, to support vulnerable Canberrans in need of food and other necessities
increasing assistance through the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, including increasing the subsidy for ride users, further reducing out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable Canberrans
increasing the Life Support Rebate to $150 a year, to support more Canberrans using electric life support equipment to treat a life-threatening condition.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Budget will fund path improvements across the Inner North, Inner South and City.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Inner North, Inner South and City
A new Inner South Health Centre
More housing for the region
Path improvements across the region
The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School
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 the Inner North, Inner South and City include:
A new Inner South Health Centre
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure throughout the city.
This includes funding to build the new Inner South Health Centre in Griffith. This will help provide the right services closer to where people live.
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, 4,587 new homes are planned for the Inner North, Inner South and City region.
Road and path improvements across the region
Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Inner North, Inner South and City.
Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.
Other investments across the region include:
progressing Light Rail Stage 2A, which includes design and construction of an extension from the existing Light Rail Stage 1 terminus at Alinga Street to a new stop at Commonwealth Park
road improvements along Beltana Road in Pialligo
construction of the Garden City Cycle Route.
The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School
The Electrification of Gas Assets Program is a 17-year commitment by the ACT Government to replace all gas-powered assets used within Government owned and operated buildings.
The program will abolish and electrify over 1,000 gas assets and will contribute to the goal of net zero emissions from Government operations by 2040.
Funding in the 2024–25 ACT Budget will allow for cooling upgrades at Alfred Deakin High School as part of the program.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the region.
This includes responding 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.
This Budget will also provide support for:
finalising construction of the new Acton Emergency Services Station to house ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue staff
undertaking capital upgrades at the City Police Station and planning for future accommodation requirements
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.
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
This includes:
the refurbishment of the existing Lyneham High School gymnasium
roof replacement work at Dickson College
continuing the modernisation and expansion of Majura Primary School, Telopea Park High School and Narrabundah College
progressing the UNSW Canberra City Campus project.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget here.
Canberra’s mowing teams and resources have been expanded.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberra’s Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) pilot program will be expanded.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Belconnen
New health centre for West Belconnen
FOGO pilot expanded
More housing for Belconnen
New and upgraded community facilities
Belconnen Transitway feasibility study
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 Belconnen include:
A new health centre for West Belconnen
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure throughout the city.
This includes funding to design and plan a new health centre in West Belconnen. This will help provide the right services closer to where people live.
The Government is also investing in a new North Canberra Hospital, including upgrades to existing buildings to maintain services during construction and design work to relocate some existing services.
The Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the region.
This includes:
the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium
the replacement of the existing pavilion at Jamison Oval
upgrades to the Emu Bank foreshore
improving local shops at Charnwood Group Centre, Evatt, Kippax Group Centre, and Macquarie
delivering a new green waste processing facility and landscape depot in West Belconnen.
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.
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 includes funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in the ACT’s mowing teams.
In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.
Belconnen to City Transitway feasibility study
The Government will undertake a bus transitway feasibility study to investigate potential upgrades to the transport corridor between Belconnen and the City.
The study will focus on improving bus services to minimise congestion and delays between two of Canberra’s major population hubs.
This initiative will be partially funded through a matching contribution from the Commonwealth Government.
The Budget will also provide funding to finalise the duplication of William Hovell Drive and Gundaroo Drive between Ginninderra Drive and the Barton Highway.
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.
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
This includes roof replacement work at Charnwood Dunlop Primary School and Melba Copland Secondary School.
The Budget also includes funding to deliver:
Strathnairn Primary School in the Ginninderry area, which will cater for over 600 preschool to year 6 students
a 130-place Early Childhood Education and Care service.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
The ACT’s horticulture and mowing teams will receive a funding boost.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A range of new and expanded measures will further support Canberrans to find a home that suits their needs.
The ACT Government is supporting more Canberrans to buy a home by extending a range of stamp duty concessions and exemptions.
Funding in the 2024–2025 ACT Budget will save many more first home buyers tens of thousands of dollars when they buy their first home.
It also includes specific assistance for downsizers, people with a disability and those fleeing domestic violence.
Home Buyer Concession Scheme
The ACT Government is making major changes to the Home Buyer Concession Scheme.
Buyers are eligible for the full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.
This will save eligible Canberrans up to $34,000 in tax when they purchase their home.
The Budget expands the scheme from 1 July 2024 to:
increase the income eligibility threshold to $250,000 a year for homebuyers who have not owned a property in the previous five years (this is an increase from $170,000 a year for homebuyers who have not owned a property in the previous two years)
enable homebuyers with children to earn an additional $4,600 per child and stay eligible (up from an additional $3,330 per child).
People fleeing family violence can have owned a property in the previous five years.
Helping more Canberrans buy a new apartment or townhouse
The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024-25.
This will begin from 1 July 2024 and will support more Canberrans to buy an apartment or townhouse.
Currently, homebuyers do not have to pay stamp duty on off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses valued up to $800,000.
Supporting more housing options in existing suburbs
The Budget will temporarily extend the RZ1 Unit Duty Exemption Scheme to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024-25.
This will align with the Off-The-Plan Unit Duty Exemption.
Announced in October 2023, this Scheme applies to the first transfer of unit-titled dwellings on suburban residential (RZ1) blocks.
It is for purchases valued up to $800,000, between 27 November 2023 and 30 June 2026.
The announcement coincided with the commencement of the new Territory Plan, which allows dual occupancy developments on large suburban residential blocks (over 800 square metres).
This extension further supports the development of more dual-occupancy homes in existing suburbs.
It will create more opportunities for Canberrans to find a home, including people looking to downsize in the suburbs they’ve long called home.
More support for people with a disability
The existing Disability Duty Concession Scheme is available to eligible homebuyers with a disability.
The scheme will be extended from 1 July 2024 to provide a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value, to further support people with a long-term or permanent disability.
As a result, a partial concession is now available for properties over $1 million. Previously, the scheme was limited to properties valued up to $1 million.
There will also be a new Severe Disability Duty Exemption from 1 July 2025 to support people with a severe disability, and their carers, to find a home.
This new exemption will mean people with severe disability and their carers will not have to pay stamp duty if the home they are buying is their principal place of residence.
The home does not have to be bought by a Special Disability Trust.
Supporting more pensioners to downsize
The Government has also extended the Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme from 1 July2024.
Pensioners will receive a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.
A partial concession will be available for properties over $1 million.
This extension will support more pensioners to downsize.
The existing scheme provides a full stamp duty concession for homes valued up to $550,000, with a decreasing concession to zero for homes valued between $550,000 and $765,000.
These 2024-25 ACT Budget initiatives relate to the ACT Wellbeing Framework’s housing and home wellbeing domain.
Canberra’s food scene gets better each year. 2024 is no exception, with a huge array of eateries opening in the last 12 months.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a fresh new favourite in your neighbourhood, or prepared to venture across town, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The latest venture from the team behind Morks showcases Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisine. Grab takeaway noodles for lunch or dine-in from lunch. There’s a tasting menu or a la carte menu to choose from.
This Italian cafe is about as close to the water as you can get. Enjoy views of Lake Burley Griffin while you indulge in dishes like breakfast risotto, pistachio cream filled croissants or fresh paninis.
Lil Mama’s is more than just a cafe, it’s a gathering spot for local creatives. That being said, you will find delicious sandwiches, bagels, coffee, matacha lattes, sweet treats and more to enjoy at this waterside spot.
Verity Lane Market has a new vendor offering fresh, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll find classics like Vietname bread rolls, rice noodle soup, rice/vermicelli diesh and rice paper rolls.
The latest addition to Canberra’s thriving Mexican food scene is serving up tacos, burgers and wings. Vegans will love their plant-based chicken burger or cauliflower tacos. There are also options for pescetarians and carnivores, plus sides like waffle or shoestring fries, jalapeno poppers and mozarella fingers.
From the great minds behind Ter and Barrio comes this suburban all-day dining destination. Recess roast their own beans, so you know the coffee is excellent. With sandwiches, pancakes, pasta dishes and sweet treats on the menu, there’s almost certainly something to cure your cravings.
Mort Street’s latest addition is a western saloon-style bar. Visit for American Southwestern food, craft cocktails, whiskey and more.
Good neighbours are invaluable. But a Good Neighbour serving up coffee, breakfast and lunch seven days a week? Worth its weight in gold. Try the strawberry matcha, shakshouka or chilli crab folded eggs.
After a hiatus that lasted a few years, Crack Bakery is making a comeback. The team behind Pâtissez and Cartel are serving up their beloved pies as well as cookies. Orders can be made exclusively online with pickup at their kitchen at Canberra Airport.
This freshly opened boutique wine bar on Lonsdale Street also serves food and cocktails. Think cheese platters, charcuterie boards, hearty mains and desserts. The menu also includes non-alcoholic options.
Catbird’s menu is inspired by the fresh cuisine of sunny Southern California. There are breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, sweet things and coffee. There’s also a kid’s menu.
Sweet tooths will love the range of flavours at this New York-inspired donut shop. There are filled options like Biscoff or lemon meringue, or traditional glazed donuts.
Rakkas is a modern Turkish restaurant on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. The menu includes flavourful authentic Turkish dishes like dips and Turkish bread, fried halloumi with honeycomb, chargrilled spatchcock and more.
This Lebanese restaurant is perfect for casual family dining or group celebrations. The mains are perfect for sharing: choose from a grill platter, shawarma meta, a vegetarian mixed plate and more.
If you’re a meat eater with a big appetite, you’ll love this Korean barbeque spot. Choose your proteins and sides and then barbeque right at the table. There are also rice and noodle dishes, soups and stews.
Italian and Sons is a longstanding Canberra favourite. Their new focaccia bar is open from 11:30am to 2:30pm Wednesday to Friday and includes pillowy, fresh focaccia (with a gluten-free option, too!).
Compa is Matt Moran’s foray into the Canberra dining scene. Steaks are the focus of the menu, accompanied by a fine selection of entrees, sides and desserts.
&Sando is also a Matt Moran creation. It’s a sandwich bar that uses bread (and stocks pastry) from local bakery Under. Their sandwiches range includes elevated classics filled with fresh ingredients.
This new café is run by Illy Coffee and the team behind Pizza Artigiana. Their pastry case is filled with sfogliatelle (an Italian pastry with a ricotta citrus filling), cannoli and croissants.
Alia is the spot for family-style Greek dining. Bring a big appetite and choose from slow-cooked lamb gyros, lobster linguine, chicken souvlaki, and baklava cheesecake.
Donuts, cookies and pastries abound at this Dickson dessert spot. Flavours range from the traditional (hot cinnamon and jam) to the unique (bubblegum, iced vovo and earl grey rose).
No need to journey to Wamboin to visit Contentious Character Winery. Their new location in Fyshwick’s Dairy Road precinct offers wine tastings, coffee and dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner (including tapas).
Gourmet sandwiches are the main offering of this New York-style deli. There are also breakfast options including pancakes and a sausage or bacon and egg roll. Sandwiches come fresh or hot, with options like a schnitty roll, beef and pickle and tuna melt.
Bada Bing has a retro charm that’s perfect for date nights or private dining. Dishes are designed to share and include antipasti, pizza, pasta and more.
Kingston Foreshore’s newest spot is open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway. The menu includes a mushroom croissant, Turkish eggs, chicken porridge and a crab omelette.
Pick up a coffee from Howie Espresso and don’t leave without one of their delicious grab-and-go options. Breakfast options include muesli and yoghurt, bircher muesli, chia breakfast bowls and muffins. Sandwiches, bagels, and wraps are on offer for lunch.
The beloved Mexican food truck now has a permanent shop on Lonsdale Street. The menu boasts authentic Mexican flavours with items like tacos, empanadas and gorditas.
Tangy, refreshing frozen yoghurt has arrived on Lonsdale Street. Moo Moo has a big range of frozen yoghurt flavours that can be customised with toppings and sauces.
A third generation Thai eatery serving lunch on weekdays. Dishes are simple but flavourful and include chicken green curry, spicy pumpkin curry and pad thai.
The Farrer location is a long-time favourite, and Fox and Bow has now arrived in the Inner South. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a coffee, everything on the menu is a winner.
Whether you’re after a pastry and a coffee or a pizza and a wine, this outdoor garden bar is sure to please. The food is delicious and the scenery is delightful.
Not strictly new, but recently reopened. Milky Lane is back with its loaded burgers, crispy fried chicken and decadent desserts.
Mediterranean food seems to be having a moment in Canberra, and Kivoto’s is another must-eat destination to add to your list. Pair flavourful Greek cuisine with a drop from their impressive wine list.
Sample the flavours of Europe without leaving Canberra. This bistro in the Realm hotel precinct has a stunning interior with an outdoor terrace to match. Visit for lunch or dinner or try their high tea offering.
Another new addition to the Realm precinct is Med, where Lebanese, Turkish and Greek cuisine collide. It’s a hit with carnivores and also offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Wonderburger brings the vintage American diner experience to Canberra. There are 10 different burgers to choose from, plus hot dogs, fried chicken, chips, sides and soft serve.
Fine dining aficionados will love this industrial-style restaurant. It has an ever-changing menu that showcases seasonal local produce.
Visit Pialligo’s newest dining destination for farmhouse-style share plates. Enjoy produce from the farm as well as regional growers.
Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo
Three Mills has locations spread across Canberra, and now Woden Valley residents and workers can get their fix. Enjoy coffee, pastries, freshly baked bread and more.
Torrens shops is quickly becoming a foodie haven. Saint Elmo is a deli and coffee shop that sells freshly baked goods, a curated selection of meats and cheeses, fresh pasta and sauces.
Two Before Ten is another Canberra favourite, and it has now landed in the Molonglo Valley. Visit for coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Stop by the Spit Shack food truck at Weston Classic Car Wash for smokey barbeque fare. The menu includes rolls, buns, fries, hot dogs and more.
Gungahlin residents can now get their fix of frozen custard concretes. Choose from one of the delicious flavours or mix it up with different sauces, fudges, nuts, fruits, and toppings.
The Bakehouse has reopened under new management and their fresh menu is bursting with delicious options. Pick up a coffee or raspberry matcha latte and treat yourself to some comfort food.
Love potato? Whether you’re after a quick snack or a filling meal, GoTato offers crinkle cut chips, sweet potato fries, potato scallops, waffle fries, potato tots and hot dogs.
The newest CocoNine restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. Get all your Thai favourites including salads, curries, noodles, stir fries and more. There is also a vegan section of the menu.
If you can barely summon the energy to venture out for coffee in the morning, you’re in luck. Kickstart Espresso has opened a drive-thru coffee shop in Belconnen. In addition to your caffeine fix, you can also pick up smoothies, toasties, muffins and more.
This suburban gem offers pick-up and delivery. Choose from traditional options and modern Aussie favourites (chooks and bacon pizza, anyone?).
A new family-friendly pub from the team behind The Knox Made in Watson. They showcase local produce through their menu which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
A modern takeaway shop with a menu that’s regularly updated. Past items have included crispy pork ribs, laksa, authentic mapo tofu, and Chinese sausage fried rice.
This ramen bar has a plant-based menu that features tofu, Japanese sweet potato and seasonal vegetables. They also have an extensive menu of non-alcoholic drinks.
This all-you-can-eat Korean buffet includes self-service bars for hotpot, cupbap, and fried rice, as well as other choices like ramen and noodles, and unlimited drinks.
Open seven days a week, Aby Coffee Couse have coffee, muffins, pastries and sandwiches.
Tuggeranong
L’épi opened its Kambah store towards the end of last year, and it’s become a firm favourite of residents. They make fresh bread, pretzels, pastries, cakes and more.
Brodburger is iconically Canberran, and it’s now easily available to southside residents. From traditional burgers to salmon, lamb, and veg, there’s something for everyone.
Dine in or takeaway from Fricken Chicken in Tuggeranong. In addition to their famous fried chicken, they also have a children’s playground and coeliac safe fried chicken.
Ureshii opened last year and has been satisfying Tuggeranong’s Japanese cravings. Tasty lunch bowls, sushi, udon noodle soup, gyoza and katsu chicken all feature on the menu.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT Government is increasing housing supply, access and choice to meet the needs of our growing city.
This year’s Budget makes significant investments to deliver more housing in Canberra – particularly for those who need it most.
The Budget includes:
expanding the Affordable Housing Project Fund to $80 million to grow the number of affordable rental properties
$108 million in extra funding for new public housing, and to improve existing public housing – this takes the Housing ACT Capital Works Program to over $530 million over four years
a taskforce to improve repairs and maintenance of public housing and oversee a pilot for insourcing maintenance of two large multi‑unit properties.
These initiatives will help ensure the right mix of housing options to suit a range of household incomes. It will also meet the housing needs of a growing Canberra, which is on track to reach 500,000 people by 2027.
Affordable Housing Project Fund
This Budget provides a significant boost to the Affordable Housing Project Fund, established last year.
The Fund has so far supported six projects, which will deliver 280 affordable rentals.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
More than 866,000m2 of land is scheduled for release over the next five years.
The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024-25 through to 2028-29 aims to provide more housing for Canberrans, where they want to live.
The Plan outlines the land releases that will enable 21,422 new homes to be built.
With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the Government will cater for this growth through additional housing in new suburbs such as:
Macnamara in Ginninderry
Jacka in Gungahlin
Denman Prospect, Whitlam
the future Molonglo Town Centre in the Molonglo Valley.
More than 866,000m2 of land is scheduled for release over the next five years to support the growing population, anticipated new homes and the services required for our community.
This will include land release for a diverse range of housing from single-residential through to townhouses and multi-unit homes.
The Indicative Land Release Program also includes mixed use, commercial, industrial and community uses with close to 97,000m2 of this land to be released in 2024-25.
In particular, the 2024-25 land release includes sites with requirements for 608 dedicated community, public, or affordable homes.
Through this plan, the Government will continue to work the private sector to be able to meet ambitious housing goals and support further growth. Developments in existing areas on privately-owned land will continue to play a role in developing this city.
The district strategies, recently released as part of the ACT’s new planning system, help to inform where growth can still occur and where the ACT Government could intervene to facilitate and direct this growth.
Working towards delivering 70 per cent of new housing within the ACT’s existing urban footprint, the Government will continue to plan for housing and land release around key precincts, rapid transport corridors and shops close to services.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
All ACT public school students will have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
The ACT Government is working towards a consistent approach across the public school system.
From 2025, it will start implementing all eight recommendations of the Final Report of the Literacy and Numeracy EducationExpert Panel.
The Panel’s overarching message was that to achieve equity and excellence in education, ACT public schools need a system-wide approach to teaching and learning.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will support this with funding to implement all recommendations.
A new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations – will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
Under Strong Foundations, Canberra families will have access to:
evidence-informed and consistent teaching practices in every classroom
common assessments, including a year 1 phonics test
advice and resources for parents, to support their children with literacy and numeracy
multitiered systems of support for students in every public school.
Centralised support for teachers
Strong Foundations will offer more system support, to help reduce teachers’ workloads.
It will also allow school staff to collaborate and move between ACT public schools, without needing to learn new systems and ways of working.
Teachers can also access additional teaching resources, such as lesson planning support.
More resources and equipment
From the start of 2025, each public school classroom from kindergarten to year 2 will receive additional funding for system-approved literacy and numeracy teaching materials and equipment.
This will include decodable readers and maths resources.
The full four-year implementation plan for Strong Foundations will be shared with community later this year.
As part of this four-year plan, the Expert Panel will be invited to undertake an annual independent review of implementation.
It will report directly on progress to the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs.
Strong Foundations focuses on supporting students up to year 10.
Support for college students
From 2025 the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) will introduce new Bridging Literacy and Bridging Numeracy courses to support students in years 11 and 12.
These courses are designed to support students who need additional targeted support. They will help them work towards the minimum standards of the Australian Core Skills Framework level 3 by the end of their schooling studies.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Making it cheaper and easier to fly into Canberra is a priority. Photo courtesy VisitCanberra
Budget funding will help build Canberra’s international business and trade connections and grow the city’s visitor economy.
This will continue to diversify the economy through the local tourism industry.
It will create more local jobs and make it easier for international visitors to come to Canberra.
More affordable air travel
One priority is making it easier and cheaper to fly into Canberra.
The Government will continue to invest in the Aviation Stimulus Fund to attract more direct domestic and international flights to and from the city.
Investments made through this fund in 2023 gave the ACT economy a significant boost.
Driving growth in international markets
The Government is committed to bringing more leisure visitors to Canberra.
Enhanced marketing, trade links and continued representation in Singapore, South-east Asia and India will help facilitate this.
The United States is currently the ACT’s strongest international visitor market. This makes it a key growth market for many Canberra businesses.
Building on last year’s trade mission, Budget investment will target in-market activity to provide growth opportunities in the US for the ACT’s tourism, trade and business sectors.
Funding will also help promote Canberra tourism in China.
The 2024–25 Budget will support the many Canberra‑based businesses with existing connections to these international markets, as well as those first entering them.
Quality events in Canberra
Canberra continues to attract quality international events.
Budget funding will bring the British and Irish Lions Tour to Canberra on 9 July 2025, to play the ACT Brumbies.
The British and Irish Lions Tour is the biggest rugby event outside of the Rugby World Cup.
Improved signage
Funding will improve signage around Canberra, including:
in ACT’s parks and nature reserves – a key drawcard for tourism
entrance signage along the Barton Highway – to improve the experience for those arriving in Canberra
wayfinding and other signage for major events like Floriade and the Enlighten Festival.
Recognising Canberra
The ACT Government will continue to sponsor the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.
These allow the local tourism sector to be recognised nationally and elevate Canberra as a tourist destination.
The Brand Canberra program will also be supported to continue promoting the city as a great place to live work and study.
All these initiatives will continue to build Canberra’s profile as a tourism, trade and business destination.
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