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Creation Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 GMT

ACT Government announces new construction projects

The Master Builders Association is calling on the Government to tackle a drop in building activity by ensuring a steady flow of projects.

Major projects including ASIO's new headquarters and the Cotter Dam expansion are expected to wrap up in 2013.

Executive director John Miller says building and construction activity is at its worst level in 20 years in some states and territories, and global economic news is putting the brakes on business sentiment.

He says the industry is also struggling because work created by federal economic stimulus spending is winding up.

"We've been in a very strong building mode for a number of years," he said.

"There's been a lot of projects occurring and again we are seeing a wind back. Now, in terms of both the Commonwealth and ACT Government who do generate a lot of activity here at a local level, particularly in that commercial area, there's not a lot happening."

But Economic Development Minister Andrew Barr says there is are a number of projects on the cards.

He says the Government is planning the new $432 million public service office block along with development in education, health and transport.

"I can understand the MBA's concerns in relation to spikes in activity in the construction sector," he said.

"What's important, is steady forward planning, a sense of when major projects are going to appear in the construction pipeline so that we can appropriately manage and invest in training and manage our construction workforce effectively."

Source: www.abc.net.au/news