Commonwealth Government grants Work Approval for Canberra Light Rail 2A

July 17, 2023

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The Commonwealth Government has granted Works Approval to extend the Canberra Light Rail network from its current southern terminus at Alinga Street to a new stop at Commonwealth Park.

The Commonwealth Government, through the National Capital Authority (NCA), has granted Works Approval to extend the Light Rail network in Canberra from its current southern terminus at Alinga Street to a new stop at Commonwealth Park.

After careful consideration and an extensive public consultation process, the NCA has concluded the Stage 2A works are consistent with the National Capital Plan requirements.

The NCA considered of a variety of different criteria, such as the quality of the public realm, community amenity, environment, heritage, and landscape values.

“We know our national capital is fast growing – and as we plan for the infrastructure needs of tomorrow, it’s important we ensure the future of this great city is consistent with the National Capital Plan,” says Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP.

“Through extensive public consultation and careful consideration of the required criteria – that’s exactly what the NCA has done – and work on this nationally-significant project can continue to progress,” says Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP.

Other issues raised by the community during the consultation process have been referred to the ACT Government.

“A well-run and reliable public transport system will be crucial as the national capital continues to grow and this works approval marks an important milestone in bringing the light rail to south Canberra,” says Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne MP.

The ACT Government as the project builder and owner, will consider and decide on matters relating to transport mode selection, alternative options, and project costs.

Public consultation was held from 28 March 2023 to 11 May 2023, with 68 submissions received.

Key issues raised by the community during the consultation include:

The need for safety and accessibility
The need for well-designed, comfortable, and user-friendly public light rail stops
The need for seamless connections between different modes of transport
The need for careful planning to mitigate congestion, improve traffic flow, and minimise disruptions
The need to reduce overall impact on the urban environment and public spaces

“The ACT Government is working with the Commonwealth to deliver the biggest infrastructure project in Canberra’s history, and the works approval granted today is a major step in delivering light rail to Woden,” says ACT Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel MLA.

“The extension of the popular light rail line will transform the southern part of the CBD into a better place for people with public transport connectivity to major employment and recreation precincts in City West, the ANU, City South, Acton Waterfront and Commonwealth Park,” says ACT Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel MLA.

“The NCA is pleased to approve the Works Approval application for the Light Rail Stage 2A extension,” says National Capital Authority Chief Executive Sally Barnes.

“This extension will provide a much-needed public transport connection between the city centre and Commonwealth Park and will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the city centre,” says National Capital Authority Chief Executive Sally Barnes.

The approval does not encompass the broader Light Rail Stage 2B to Woden proposal, and future options put forward by the ACT Government will be considered by the NCA.

Click here to view the Consultation Report.

Source: © Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia

Image source: © Commonwealth of Australia 2023