The journey so far
In 2016, the original Statement of Ambition set a vision for a compact, sustainable and competitive Canberra, laying the groundwork for an integrated program for the city’s future.
It laid out four directions of travel to guide policy-making efforts:
- Attract and retain the talented people that can help make our city great.
- Open and diversify our local economy building on the strong position we have as one of Australia’s longest serving knowledge-based cities.
- Deliver better metropolitan infrastructure that helps to renew our inner precincts, strengthening our suburbs and providing new opportunities for all.
- Embrace the digital mindset and deliver integrated smart city initiatives.
These directions of travel have enabled us to deliver projects that build on Canberra’s unique advantages and create a city that is progressive, welcoming and resilient.
Attract and retain talented people
- $100m added to the ACT economy and 400 innovation jobs, with support from the Canberra Innovation Network
- Canberra Cyber Hub established, strengthening cyber security sector
- $9.5m invested in 12 research, tertiary and industry partnerships
- Statement of Ambition for the Arts launched
Open and diversify our local economy
- International education becomes Canberra’s leading export valued at over $1b annually
- International connections broadened and ACT exports built
- Pre-pandemic visitors spend $2.5b per annum
- Renewable energy industry strengthened
Leading on sustainability
- ACT powered by 100% renewable electricity
- $150m Sustainable Household Scheme rolled out
- 20 hydrogen fuelled vehicles added to the government fleet
- Electric vehicles incentivised
Deliver better metropolitan infrastructure
- Light rail network expanding
- CBD refreshed
- “Nearby-hoods” created through town and group centre renewal
- New cycle ways and more active travel options
- Health services expanded through the University of Canberra Hospital
- Network of walk-in healthcare centres created
- Canberra Hospital expanded
Embrace the digital mindset
- Laptops for every public high school student
- Free wi-fi across the city
- 700+ government transactions and services online
A city open and welcoming to all
- The nation’s first Wellbeing Framework developed
- The Multicultural Recognition Act enshrines the value of diversity
- The Capital of Equality Strategy improving LGBTIQ+ inclusion
