ZED Seselja says a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will ensure that for the first time a Federal government agency is based in the Gungahlin Town Centre.

“Today’s announcement is an investment in the future of Gungahlin,” Zed said.

“With over 22,000 households now in the area, it’s important that we see these sorts of firm commitments from our Government representatives and I’m pleased to be delivering that today.

“Under this commitment a small to medium government agency would be moved to the Gungahlin Town Centre and would be the first federal government agency in the area. The preference will be for an agency to move from the parliamentary area so as not to impact upon existing Town Centres.

“Operation Tetris is about achieving best value for money and there will be a benefit from lower costs in Gungahlin.

“An agency located in Gungahlin would help to grow and strengthen the existing community with greater demand for small businesses and facilities particularly during regular business hours.

“We know that the success of our local town centres is significantly impacted by the locations of Government Department offices, it’s how Canberra was designed. With Gungahlin’s expanding population the time is right for this kind of commitment.

“Over the past few years I have fought hard to ensure that decisions on major leases take into account local impacts. As a result the Department of Immigration and Border Protection kept its major presence in Belconnen giving certainty and stability to Belconnen businesses and the surrounding community. Just the same, I fought for a new building for the Department of Social Services in Tuggeranong keeping 2,000 jobs in the area.

“This is a big win for Gungahlin businesses. We understand that by supporting local business, we are supporting local jobs.

“I’m really pleased to be delivering this commitment to the Gungahlin community and know that it will make a big difference for many small businesses and local residents,” Senator Seselja concluded.