Minister Barr: Light rail network provides a clear, strategic and long term transport vision
- Written by ACT Government
Released 26/10/2015
The launch of a public consultation for Canberra’s light rail network will seek comment on the strategic vision to build convenient and reliable light rail across our modern growing city, Chief Minister, Andrew Barr Minister for Planning, and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Transport Reform Shane Rattenbury, announced today. The network shows how proposed future routes for light rail will link to stage one, which will begin construction next year. “To manage Canberra’s growth, reduce congestion and protect our liveability we need to improve our public transport system,” the Chief Minister said. “Light rail prepares us for our city’s growth, drives economic development and will integrate with buses and other modes of transport to make our city easier to get around. “This network shows how light rail will be extended across our city in the future.” Stage 1 of the Capital Metro network will be between Gungahlin and the city, and we are now asking the community to tell us their views on where future stages should go and how we can best integrate a public transport system with our current infrastructure. “The ACT Government is planning for Canberra’s transition into a significant world city through building on current foundations and opportunities to maintain the position of the world’s most liveable city, with a fully integrated transport network,” Minister Gentleman said. “The public consultation for the draft light rail network is an opportunity for the community to have their say on the future proposed corridors as this document will work for to direct the long term strategy and vision for Canberra’s light rail network. “Light rail is integral to ACT Government’s planning, transport, climate change and health strategies for the future. Light rail benefits include reducing congestion on our roads and greenhouse gas emissions. Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Transport Reform Shane Rattenbury has also highlighted the positive impacts to be created.“The release of the Light Rail Network opens the light rail discussion to all Canberrans and will help outline the bigger picture for public transport across the entire city. This is a project for the future of Canberra that will help us to find real and long term solutions for the issues that trouble us today like pollution, congestion and peak oil,” Shane Rattenbury said. The Canberra community feedback and comments are welcome. Public consultation is open until 11 December 2015. The Light Rail network is included in the parliamentary agreement between ACT Labor and the ACT Greens.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
