“After the extraordinary Cotter Dam cost blow outs, the GDE, the prison and other botched infrastructure projects, Canberrans should not be fooled by glossy brochures and slick videos that are no substitute for competent infrastructure delivery,” he said.

“I will be seeking a detailed briefing from the Government on their proposal and will pay particular attention to some of the hard questions that will need to be answered, including costs, timelines, consultation, parking, disruption to existing parkland and amenities, budgetary impact and who will be paying for this project.”

The Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, and her deputy, Andrew Barr, this morning announced that the City to Lake project would extend the city towards the lake, linking the two areas. It will encompass an area stretching from West Basin to Anzac Parade, and may include a rectangular sports stadium; a new convention centre; cultural facilities; an aquatic facility and urban beach; and making Parkes Way a split-level boulevard to “seamlessly” link West Basin and Civic.

Hanson welcomed the ongoing conversation about the city’s future and encouraged Canberrans to have an input into the plans.

“The design of our city and concepts of how to make better use of Lake Burley Griffin has been the subject of debate in Canberra for many years. We acknowledge the need to enhance our infrastructure and improve our use of the lake and the latest plans released by the Government today are part of that conversation,” he said.

“Although many of the concepts look attractive, I question the Government’s ability to deliver on their promises. We all remember the grand designs for a new Government Office tower which Andrew Barr and Katy Gallagher promised to deliver, but then dropped once the hard questions were asked by the Opposition and their flawed planning was exposed.”