July 2026
Building Canberra’s future together
“A transparent and reliable pipeline enables industry to confidently invest in people, skills and innovation,” says Infrastructure Canberra’s Director-General Gillian Geraghty. Find out more about practical reforms, including pipeline visibility and the Pathways Hub.
The ACT Government's 2026–27 Budget sets a clear direction for the next phase of Canberra’s growth, providing industry with greater certainty about future investment priorities and the delivery of the infrastructure our growing city needs.
The ACT continues to navigate market pressures, workforce constraints, supply chain disruption and broader economic challenges. In response, the ACT Government has refined the timing and sequencing of infrastructure investment to better align with delivery capacity, project readiness and fiscal sustainability.
This approach – confirmed in the budget – is about creating a more sustainable and achievable pipeline that provides greater certainty for industry, supports successful project delivery and delivers value for the Canberra community.
A small number of projects have been re-sequenced to optimise delivery outcomes and ensure resources remain focused on projects currently underway, while maintaining momentum across the broader infrastructure program. The profile of our smaller projects and asset renewal activities has also been adjusted to align with delivery capacity and improve program certainty.
This approach is an important part of responsible infrastructure stewardship. By carefully sequencing investment, the ACT Government is supporting a more stable delivery environment, improving project readiness and creating the conditions for better outcomes across the capital program.
Beyond individual projects, the ACT’s infrastructure program is an investment in productivity, housing supply, community wellbeing, sustainability and economic opportunity. It’s helping create a more connected, liveable and resilient Canberra.
This reflects Infrastructure Canberra’s commitment to excellence in service.
Providing transparency and visibility for industry
A sustainable pipeline is only effective if industry has confidence in what lies ahead.
The budget continues to include significant opportunities for industry participation, including investment in the Belconnen Basketball Stadium expansion, next steps for the Commonwealth Park aquatic centre, the second public college for Gungahlin, the Northside Hospital redevelopment and the Territory’s public housing program.
A transparent and reliable pipeline enables industry to confidently invest in people, skills and innovation. Recent improvements to the ACT Infrastructure Pipeline provide greater visibility of future opportunities, procurement pathways and prequalification arrangements, while ongoing work to improve forecasting of our smaller projects will further improve visibility of opportunities and emerging demand.
This reflects a shared objective between government and industry of creating a more stable, predictable and investable market. Better information supports workforce planning, capability development and investment decisions, while helping government improve project readiness and delivery outcomes.
Strengthening government-industry partnerships
As we plan for Canberra’s future, collaboration between government and industry will remain critical to achieving the best outcomes for the community, the economy and the built environment. Addressing the challenges facing the infrastructure sector requires government and industry to work together.
The budget includes a limited market conditions provision, recognising the pressures recent global disruptions have placed on the construction sector and the importance of maintaining a sustainable delivery environment.
Workforce capability is another shared priority. Initiatives such as the Pathways Hub will help attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce needed to deliver the Territory’s growing infrastructure program and support long-term economic growth.
The ACT Government’s 2026–27 Budget provides a clear path forward, balancing continued investment in city-shaping infrastructure with responsible stewardship of public resources and a sustainable approach to delivery.
Delivering Canberra’s future requires government and industry to work together as genuine partners. Through a sustainable pipeline, greater transparency and dedication to excellence, together we can provide greater certainty for the market while delivering the infrastructure, places and spaces that support a growing, liveable and prosperous Canberra.
We are committed to continuing our partnership with Consult Australia members in the years ahead.
About the author
As Director-General of Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR), Gillian Geraghty leads the ACT Government’s primary infrastructure and property agency, with an $8 billion active pipeline across 50-plus projects, 230 government-owned properties, and an organisation of more than 800 people. As the most senior engineer in the ACT Government, Gillian also holds the title of ACT Chief Engineer, a role which helps to facilitate the engineering capability required to meet the future needs and growth of the Territory.