Page 2706 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 16 September 2014

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By the end of 2015, a preferred tenderer will be identified and negotiation with the proponent will take place. It is anticipated that agreement will be reached and contract close achieved early in 2016, enabling construction to commence later in the same year.

I am pleased to confirm the government’s commitment to Canberra’s first light rail project and that we are well on schedule to commence construction in 2016. The government remain committed to this project. We have allocated significant resources to making it happen. We are being open and consultative in our approach. We have provided detailed designs and plans to the community as we progress. We want to build a public transport network that meets the needs of our community and stakeholders. I encourage everyone to learn more about this exciting project. This is a new and much-needed change in our city’s approach. What we have now is not sustainable, and it is our responsibility to meet the challenges this city faces, not shy away from difficult decisions.

The Labor government went to the last election with this project as a commitment because it is the best long-term outcome for our city. It will deliver dedicated, rapid, reliable public transport services that will form the backbone of a well-integrated public transport system that is sustainable and that encourages smarter land use and more active lifestyles.

Stage 1 sets the foundation for a future network across the city, providing the capability to galvanise development along transport corridors and around our town centres. By doing so we will link transport and development to ensure we deliver the sustainable pattern of urban development that our city now needs. We have the highest level of car dependency of any city in the country. We have higher levels of obesity, higher levels of greenhouse gas pollution, higher congestion and lower productivity. It is time to start the journey to reduce and change these patterns. Let us not plan our city for the car; let us plan around people and ensure we deliver a city that is accessible to all, sustainable, vibrant and active. That is our vision for this city, and that is why this project is so important.

Major Events Bill 2014

Debate resumed from 14 August 2014, on motion by Mr Corbell:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Motion (by Mr Hanson) put:

That the debate be adjourned.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the negative.

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