Page 3165 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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them, without holding up the construction of the first stage, 2A, from the city to Commonwealth Park.
That is why I have decided to split the project into two. The two-stage EPBC referral that we have lodged is the fastest way to get light rail to Woden. With the skills and expertise we have learnt and built up from constructing the Gungahlin to the city route, we will be getting on with the construction of the first stage of the Woden line as soon as it is approved.
MS ORR: Minister, how is the government engaging with the local businesses and community along the light rail stage 2 route?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Orr for her question. We have certainly learned from light rail stage 1 route and the feedback we received from business owners along that corridor, particularly during construction. Only a few weeks I spoke about how that has informed our planning and communication strategies for future infrastructure projects, including stage 2 of light rail. Constructing light rail to Woden needs significant communication with businesses along the route. We are committed to taking a proactive and consultative approach to engagement.
In May this year we commenced a preliminary business impact assessment process. Earlier this month the city to Woden light rail team commenced consultation with businesses in city west to gauge awareness of light rail; establish communication; learn about trading hours and peak times of those businesses; start the communication and discussion around signage, marketing, access and logistics for those businesses; and together build a communication strategy going forward.
Businesses will be able to provide feedback on an ongoing basis through online and hard copy surveys, face-to-face conversations with the light rail team visiting their businesses on a regular basis, and a light rail coffee date this coming Thursday. In just the first week of the engagement, over 350 businesses in city west had already engaged in face-to-face discussions with the city to Woden light rail team. This early engagement with businesses will help us to design a program of support, advice and activation that will keep city west vibrant during construction and ready for operations.
MR BARR: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Canberra Hospital—emergency bypass
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I was asked earlier today who makes the decision to go on ambulance bypass. The decision to go on ambulance bypass is made by the hospital commander on duty. On the night of 14 August, the hospital commander was the chief operating officer, Liz Chatham.
Papers
Madam Speaker presented the following paper:
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