Page 1706 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 1 May 2012
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There would be a new terminus on Hibberson Street in Gungahlin and a new station in Dickson, potentially on the current motor vehicle registry site, which would allow the rapid transit services, whether bus or light rail, to connect with other frequent and local services. All the concepts under examination include extensive landscaping, separated three metre wide cycleways on both sides of the road and wider pedestrian paths.
The government is currently carefully considering the development of a business case for the transit corridor options and we will make further announcements as we lead up to and in the course of the coming budget.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Minister, what happens next with the project?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the supplementary. At this point the government are consulting with Canberrans on the options we have outlined in project update 2. We are encouraging Canberrans to have their say on the initial concepts and designs as well as on the costs. The public comment phase is on now. Opportunity for feedback is being provided through all the usual means, including through timetotalk.act.gov.au, through our shopfronts and public libraries, or by direct email contact with the project team.
We have also just completed the first round of community information events, which are being held at shopping centres in Gungahlin, Dickson and the city. The first two sessions have already been held. These occurred at the Dickson group centre last Friday and Saturday. Almost 400 people stopped to read the posters and/or talk to the consultant team. The level of interest shown in the project was significant.
There is overwhelming community support for improving public transport infrastructure along this corridor. The government will be having close regard to the comments received during the community feedback sessions.
This is a major project and a major challenge for our city. It will require significant additional work in examination, investigation, analysis and feasibility, before any decision on construction or operation can take place. For this reason the feedback from the community will be vital in determining the next steps that the government will take.
MS BRESNAN: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Minister, with the costings for light rail, what have they included? Have they included stops such as a major stop at Dickson? What options for funding have they included? Have you investigated things such as private-public partnerships?
MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Bresnan for the supplementary. Costing for both BRT and LRT includes the cost of development of a station at Dickson. In relation to
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