Page 4246 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 27 November 2013
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metro can be rolled out to the rest of the city. As members would be aware, when I engaged with my constituents down in Brindabella they said they are very keen to see when the light rail will be brought down to that area.
In particular, I would like to draw your attention to the light rail integration study that is currently underway to identify how capital metro can best integrate into the overall transport network. As part of the study, information sessions were held across the city and were attended by several hundred people. An online survey seeking community views on the study has received over 400 responses. Feedback is currently being collated and reviewed, but early indications reaffirm that people are more likely to use capital metro than the existing bus rapid service. Light rail is the people’s choice.
The benefits of the government’s approach is also seen by industry and businesses. For example, the Property Council has welcomed the recognition of the city as both a metropolitan and regional centre, and expresses hope that we have set a new course for the future. It, too, sees the potential of the city to be a vibrant, world-class centre, voicing support for the draft city plan that is pulling together important rejuvenation projects, such as the city to the lake and capital metro.
The government’s commitment to this project is strong, and the Capital Metro Agency is up and running to oversee the delivery of this major infrastructure project and undertake the extensive work that I have just described. It is vital that experienced people with the right skills and capacity guide the project, and I am pleased to let you know, Madam Speaker, that we have a wealth of experience guiding this project. Emma Thomas, the project director, joined the agency on 21 October and brings extensive experience in delivering large rail and road projects. Ms Thomas’s previous roles include South Australia’s deputy chief executive of public transport as well as a high level oversight of the Gold Coast rapid transit project. Since joining the agency, Ms Thomas has made it a priority to meet with community groups and stakeholders. In the first few weeks, Ms Thomas met with the Property Council, the Institute of Architects, the Gungahlin Community Council and many more.
In the important role of independent chair of the project board, we have appointed John Fitzgerald, specialist adviser to KPMG and chair of the Sydney convention and entertainment centres redevelopment. Mr Fitzgerald has a strong financial background, including spending the last 12 years in the infrastructure sector with the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. Mr Fitzgerald has overseen some 20 such projects including Eastlink and Melbourne.
Capital metro is a major infrastructure project that requires extensive planning and preparation, and we now have the right people and the project is underway. After many years of discussions, we are committed and on our way to delivering light rail for Canberra. It is happening now.
On the important issue of cost, the agency is revisiting previous estimates to ensure they incorporate the latest planning and project knowledge. It would be irresponsible of the government to start making further cost estimates before we have a clear and informed understanding of the project specification. It is contradictory for the opposition, of course, to criticise the government for the lack of planning while at the
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