Big capital works spend in Centre pledged

 
$50m for the controversial expansion of the the Owen Springs Power Station, and an upgrade of the Tennant Creek Power Station, are the biggest expenditures in Central Australia.
 
The announcement was made this morning by Chief Minister Adam Giles ahead of today’s Budget announcement by Treasurer Dave Tollner.
 
Other items, mostly pre-announced, are:
 
$20 million for two skywalk adventure tourism experiences. Consultation will begin with traditional owners and stakeholders in Central Australia to identify a potential site;
$8.5 million to undertake a “Smart Grid” trial to provide households and businesses with more information about energy consumption to assist with reducing power bills;
$6.25 million, including external funding, to redevelop the netball facilities (construction underway, pictured)  in Alice Springs to provide four fully sprung enclosed courts;
$5.3 million for a multipurpose facility at the Alice Springs Hospital;
$3.97 million to develop visitor amenities at the Alcoota fossil site. Preliminary consultation has begun with traditional owners;
$3.13 million to complete Braitling Primary School’s early childhood precinct, including construction of a shared community area with an outdoor play space and improved canteen facilities to create a family-friendly environment;
$2.2 million for upgrades at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre;
$2.1 million to construct and upgrade renal clinics;
$2 million for Sadadeen Primary School to refurbish and extend its multi-purpose assembly hall;
$2 million for an all-weather athletics track and associated field sports including javelin, jumps, shot put, discus, pole-vault and hammer throws to be developed at Centralian Middle School;
$750,000 for carpark upgrades at Watarrka National Park;
$750,000 to upgrade air-conditioning at Ti Tree School;
$400 000 to improve facilities at Blatherskite Park;
$100,000 to upgrade the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter.