Page 3927 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 September 2017
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Regarding stops in Mitchell, over 70 per cent of those completing the survey said they would not use a potential Lysaght Street stop or potential Sandford Street stop at Mitchell. Of those that advised they would use the stop, almost 80 per cent said they would use it only once a week. Over half the respondents indicated that they thought the proposed Well Station Drive was a more appropriate stop than Lysaght Street. At the time and throughout this work it was determined that a light rail stop in Mitchell was not warranted due to low patronage.
Since 31 October 2014, community feedback, media reports and outcomes of the environmental impact statement consultation when the light rail stage 1 business case was released clearly identified that a light rail stop at Mitchell was not warranted as part of stage 1 light rail. However, the government recognises that Mitchell is a growing area and will be positively impacted by the growth of Gungahlin as a whole. Subsequently, a future stop has been provisioned for as part of the construction of light rail, including track alignment and underground communication and utility services. This allows for the development of a Mitchell stop as part of future stages of Canberra’s light rail network.
I question whether the mover of this motion is even taking any notice whatsoever to correct many of the statements on this important matter. Indeed, the Sandford Street stop is the only stop provisioned as a future stop under construction right now as part of stage 1. I also take this opportunity to show my support for the newly formed Mitchell Traders Association. I met with some representatives of the association last Friday and I think we had a very productive discussion with them about their local concerns.
I understand that they, like many small businesses, are busy and focused on the day-to-day operations of their business, so they do not always find it as easy to engage as individuals with the government. But the establishment of the Mitchell Traders Association provides an opportunity to work more closely and effectively with government to address strategic business issues in the area, as well as highlighting opportunities to work collaboratively and strengthen the Mitchell trading precinct.
The government will continue to liaise with Mitchell businesses on issues related to light rail. Canberra Metro is also in contact with Mitchell businesses, as is the Canberra Business Chamber’s light rail business link program, both of which have offered ongoing support for any additional practical measures during the construction phase. The light rail business link program is delivered by the Canberra Business Chamber and funded by the ACT government to proactively ensure that opportunities for local business are maximised and assist to mitigate impacts to businesses along the light rail corridor through ongoing communications, industry collaboration and business support programs.
A number of meetings have been held between Transport Canberra and City Services, Canberra Metro and the Canberra Business Chamber, initially at the prompting of my office because of correspondence I received from the Mitchell traders group, and in particular Mr Manning, who I congratulate on his efforts to establish this group. He
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