Page 2553 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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Weekend trips have massively increased. Canberrans are ditching the car, even out of peak hour and on weekends, highlighting their preference for using the public transport system, making it a real alternative. Whilst we have seen the benefits of the light rail, I understand the frustration of Canberrans who live along the corridor with the road work. There are still ongoing rectification works that are a genuine source of annoyance, especially on the weekends and late at night, but these works will be completed soon.
I have had a few meetings of late with the Mitchell traders who are frustrated that the Mitchell light rail stop has not been built yet. I understand their concerns, especially given the frequency of the bus service in Mitchell that takes passengers to the closest light rail stop. I hope to see the Mitchell light rail stop completed soon so that these businesses and their customers can more easily utilise light rail.
The benefits of light rail are already having a positive impact on our city and will continue to do so as we further expand the network. Light rail provides a modern, reliable and sustainable alternative to driving a car. Light rail is better for our environment and will help further reduce our city’s emissions and tackle climate change.
Light rail is helping to renew areas of the city with flow-on economic benefits as areas are improved and more businesses and cultural precincts can thrive along the light rail corridor. As we expand the network, this positive impact will be spread throughout the city. Future light rail stages will further connect population hubs in our city, moving people across Canberra more efficiently and, ultimately, hopefully, reducing our reliance on cars.
We continue to push the government’s bold vision for a connected, effective and environmentally sustainable transport system for our city. I look forward to seeing the continued expansion of the light rail network to Woden and beyond. In closing, it is still early days for our light rail network. Hopefully, the 12-month review provides a bit more confidence to Canberrans about their new light rail network.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (5.26): The Greens will be supporting the ALP amendment to this motion. Mr Milligan has consistently raised concerns about the impact of construction of light rail stage 1 on local businesses along the route. I have been aware of these concerns as well. I visited the Mitchell Traders during construction, and I have to say that it was very challenging to catch a bus there at that point. It has improved a bit since.
Today’s motion goes to Mr Milligan’s motion of 13 February this year. The result of that motion was a commitment by the government to a “comprehensive lessons learnt process within six months of the start of light rail services”. This is due in October 2019. The question, obviously, is: why are we having this debate again?
My understanding from Mr Milligan’s office is that they were concerned that businesses had not been consulted yet, despite being halfway through the six month-time frame. They also had a justifiable concern that some people may get
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