Page 2331 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 August 2016
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transport connection to the rest of the Canberra network. Connecting light rail to this important zone south of the lake also opens up future corridors in Canberra’s south and will help to link north and south as a truly connected city.
The ACT government will now conduct feasibility studies on these routes before making the selection of stage 2 later in the year.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Burch.
MS BURCH: Minister, what would be the broader benefits to the community from the possible next steps outlined in the plan?
MR GENTLEMAN: The next steps of the light rail network plan will benefit the Canberra community by planning for improving public transport for all Canberrans, reducing car dependency, revitalising urban centres and active lifestyles, increasing economic activity, and more environmentally responsible transport options.
The light rail network will create high-quality, high-capacity, frequent and reliable public transport in Canberra’s most popular public transport corridors. It will free up buses, providing better services across the rest of the city. Those key corridors yet to transition to light rail will have improved bus services to support their transition to light rail over time. This means that every future light rail network corridor will have high-quality public transport even if they are not yet serviced by light rail.
Reducing Canberra’s high level of car dependency will provide high-quality public transport and reduce congestion pressure. It will give people a better alternative to driving their car whilst creating significant commercial opportunities near light rail stops, taking advantage of passenger traffic and increased housing density nearby, to grow and diversify the economy.
Light rail will encourage a higher proportion of Canberra’s population growth in centres and public transport corridors, which helps our local economy, health and wellbeing. Quality public transport connections will support the renewal of the city, town centres and other key centres, as well as along transport corridors. By coordinating our planning and key projects to support development in each corridor, we can stimulate economic and social activity across the city.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Sport—ACTSport
MS BERRY: I had a question yesterday from Mr Doszpot about the role of officers in Active Canberra in establishing the UC sports hub. Active Canberra—formerly Sport and Recreation Services—staff initially prepared and continue to administer the deed of grant between the territory and the University of Canberra for the UC sports hub. A representative of Active Canberra was also invited to be part of the UC sports hub project control group, along with ACTSport and other key stakeholders.
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