Page 1743 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 4 June 2014
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There is quite a contrast now in the approaches of the two political parties who seek to form government in this territory, and I think it is very clear which party is investing in Canberra and under which party this community does better. As a former Chief Minister said at the Chamber of Commerce function directly to the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow treasurer, now is not the time for opposition.
Transport—light rail
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development. Minister, how does this budget progress the capital metro light rail project?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Gentleman for his question. This budget makes a significant commitment to progressing work on the development to investment-ready stage of the capital metro light rail project. We know around the world light rail is renowned for its ability to stimulate the economy, to support jobs and to alter the development pattern of cities. It is for all of these reasons, as well as, of course, including providing better transport connections and better transport systems for all Canberrans, that the government is investing in this important project.
We are, as a city, blessed with the fact that, thanks to the deliberate planning of our city by those who have come before us, there are effective mediums in place that make provision for this type of transport infrastructure.
In the most recent budget, $20 million has been provided to support the next stage of work to be undertaken by the Capital Metro Agency. This work includes progressing the project through to investment-ready status, delivering critical elements of the project plan, including a reference design, procurement methodology options analysis, contract development and the identification of enabling and associated works.
These works will allow us to ensure that we have the complete picture in relation to the development of this project. Economic and financial advisory services will be required to assist in the development of a financial and funding strategy, and commercial advice will also be required to develop robust guidance on optimal contractual arrangements for the procurement, delivery and ongoing operations of this service, as well as specialist legal advice to support the Capital Metro Agency in navigating complexities around tender development and evaluation.
This work all highlights the very significant investment being made by the government in this project. We know that further detailed quantity surveying is required and cost estimation services. We are engaging in deliberate risk management to ensure that this complex and high-value project is managed with a high level of monitoring, auditing and advice around potential risks. Technical advice and design services are also being engaged to provide the skill and experience needed in determining the parameters for the reference design.
So the budget allows us to progress all of these very important pieces of work. The government will lay out for the community a detailed proposal and methodology for
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