Page 2882 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 14 August 2018
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
In 2017 two new rapid routes commenced operation. By 2019 the rapid bus routes will be expanding to nine. This initiative is two years ahead of schedule and will provide a better connected, seven-day network for Canberrans, with construction of the ACT’s tenth rapid route, light rail stage 1, also to be completed by the end of this year.
As an outcome of consultation with the community, the ACT government will undertake preliminary planning and network analysis with a view to establishing a light rail stop in Mitchell once light rail stage 1 is operational. Funding is provided in this budget to support contract review and detailed design of a light rail stop at Mitchell, with provision for additional construction and operational costs in later years.
Despite the significant work already done by TCCS through the enhanced rapid routes, the government knows there is still more work required to meet the transport needs of its residents. As we have frequently heard in the Assembly, by 2033 Canberra’s population is expected to grow to over half a million people. To service the growing and diverse mix of residents and visitors, the government is committed to improving how people move around Canberra. That is why this budget continues to support the development of light rail by continuing to invest in the planning, design and enabling works for the city to Woden light rail route.
The ACT government has identified a preferred route, and planning processes are underway with the commonwealth government and the commonwealth parliament to progress light rail to Woden. In addition, the flexible transport coordination centre has successfully aligned with the priorities of government by providing a specialised bus service to address social inclusion for many in our community who are unable to access other transport options, which can make them vulnerable to social isolation.
As the public transport network evolves, the government will ensure that demand-responsive and flexible transport services continue to meet the needs of Canberra’s travellers. These important services are for people who experience difficulty using fixed route buses and light rail services and who also cannot access travel services under the national disability insurance scheme.
The government is also making major investments to improve walking and cycling across the territory. Providing better walking and cycling facilities in Canberra improves not only amenity but also the health of our community. Through this budget Canberrans will be provided with new cyclepaths, footpaths and shared paths. The government will also improve and expand pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to ensure it is safe, sustainable, attractive to the community and easy to use.
Importantly, this budget provides funding for the construction of the Belconnen bikeway and improved pedestrian and cycling access in the Tuggeranong town centre. Works will also include streetscape improvements and additional landscaping. In addition, in the Belconnen town centre we are thrilled that the Belconnen bikeway will also provide a final connection along the frontage of Lake Ginninderra, particularly to complement the expansion of the Belconnen Arts Centre. The funding
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video