ACT Labor commits to new schools, Liberals to build dementia neighbourhood

ACT Labor has committed to building an $85 million high school at Taylor and a $35 million primary school in North Gungahlin should it win the election. The Taylor project would be started in the 2022-23 financial year, with an expected two-year timeframe before completion. The new primary school will cater for about 600 children, with the high school set to cater for about 800. "Gungahlin is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and more Canberra families are choosing public education," Labor's education spokesperson Yvette Berry said. "As we have done in government, ACT Labor is committed to doing the heavy lifting when it comes to action on climate change and the new primary school and high school will be emissions free." The Canberra Liberals have committed to building a purpose-built neighbourhood for people living with dementia. The party would work with The Neighbourhood to design a space that provides connected living, community, social interaction and 24-hour support for people with dementia in the ACT. Liberal spokeswoman for Seniors Nicole Lawder said the purpose-built neighbourhood for people with dementia would be an Australian first. "There are only six countries in the world that offer this type of support," Ms Lawder said. "We envision a neighbourhood suitably designed for at least 15 homes that can each comfortably house six residents." The ACT Greens have committed to a $50 million just transition fund that would reduce energy bills and make homes and businesses more energy-efficiency. It would be aimed at assisting low-income households, renters and other vulnerable groups. Under the scheme, properties would receive funding for sustainability and energy-efficiency measures such as solar panels and batteries, draft sealing, insulation, glazing, efficient electric appliances and water-saving measures. The Greens expect the program would create 840 new jobs in the territory and protect existing jobs in the trades. "Climate change is the biggest threat our society and our planet collectively face, yet some groups will be more impacted than others," Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said. "People on low incomes often can't afford to heat or cool their houses - an issue compounded by the poor energy efficiency of Canberra's older and cheaper housing. "As we look to create a climate-ready Canberra for all of us, the Greens won't leave anyone behind." READ MORE: