2014-10-15
As part of the Parliamentary Agreement signed with the ACT Greens, the ACT Government will now seek expressions of interest from builders, designers and operators before beginning construction in 2016.
“After decades of community campaigning, the formal endorsement of the light rail business case is a significant milestone for our city,” said ACT Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury.
“This decision sets Canberra on a positive path towards sustainable development and quality public transport, and it acknowledges the vision of Walter Burley Griffin.
“I supported the Cabinet decision to prioritise public transport, health, education and resolving the complex Mr Fluffy problems.
“For decades, ACT Governments have largely failed to see the opportunities that would come from building a quality and permanent public transport network. Light rail will change our city for the better, starting from Gungahlin to the City and expanding to a Canberra wide network in the future.
“The light rail project is about long-term thinking to ensure Canberra is a liveable and vibrant city, with a quality public transport service and sustainable urban development.
“I’m especially excited about the opportunity to run the network on renewable energy – one of the most significant sustainability benefits for this type of transport.
“This is a project that will deliver financial benefits for the community to the tune of billions of dollars over the next 30 years, including reducing traffic congestion, less pollution and new exciting urban development opportunities.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Canberra – a new and positive direction for city planning, transport and the environment that will deliver wonderful benefits to the people of Canberra,” Mr Rattenbury.