Page 3949 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 1 December 2021
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This project involves raising London Circuit’s roadway on the east and west sides of Commonwealth Avenue by around six metres to create an at-grade intersection with Commonwealth Avenue. Construction will begin in the first half of next year, it is expected, and that will take around two years to deliver.
Real progress is being made in delivering this project, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. It is an important part of our government’s $5 billion infrastructure program that is underpinning economic recovery as we move through the pandemic. It is supporting jobs in Canberra right now. Early works are underway moving essential utilities in preparation for main works construction to raise London Circuit in the new year.
The expressions of interest process for a construction delivery partner was completed in October and the National Capital Authority works approval was lodged in October. I encourage Canberrans to lodge questions and view the videos, maps and fact sheets on the NCA website about the project. Now is the time to have a say on this very important project for Canberra’s future.
MS ORR: Minister, what consultation and engagement is the ACT government undertaking with businesses and residents in the London Circuit construction zone?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Orr for her question. The raising of London Circuit will deliver significant benefits to Canberra. It will also support the land release in the area in a very constrained part of our city, particularly in and around the existing cloverleaf exit ramps from Commonwealth Avenue. It is a major investment in the urban realm of our city, providing better access for active travel and improved connectivity between the CBD, city west and the Acton waterfront.
The ACT government, as we move through this project, is actively engaging with businesses and the community within the construction area to ensure that they not only understand what is happening but also have the opportunity to help shape the delivery of the project. This includes the establishment of the light rail community reference group and the light rail business roundtable, both of which I have personally attended. Virtual doorknocking and calls to more than 90 stakeholders have been through the face-to-face community information sessions held in the Canberra city area. Presentations and project briefings have been provided to interested stakeholders, business peak bodies and individual businesses. Project notifications have been issued to nearby residents and businesses to inform them of the planned commencement of the early works.
Finally, we are undertaking work with the National Capital Authority at the moment on the public exhibition of the works approval until 24 December. After this, the ACT government will support the NCA in preparing a consultation report that will detail the issues that have been raised by the community and relevant responses to those as well. Local businesses, as well as other Canberrans, can have a say through this process.
DR PATERSON: A supplementary. Minister, what can Canberrans expect to see happening in relation to the extension of light rail to Woden in the new year?
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