The Australian Government and ACT Government are building the infrastructure a growing Canberra needs, with the announcement today of an additional $125.5 million contribution by the Federal Government for Canberra's Light Rail.
Representatives of the two governments joined today to also acknowledge the signing of the major works contract for the delivery of Light Rail Stage 2A – City to Commonwealth Park.
This is a significant milestone in one of the defining projects in Canberra's history. Not only will the light rail extension support thousands of local jobs during its construction, it will deliver improved public transport for decades in Canberra and help shape the development of Canberra's city centre.
Work on Stage 2A is planned to commence in late 2024. Construction and testing is expected to take approximately three years, with services commencing from January 2028.
To ensure an efficient service with the current light rail network, the Government undertook a single select procurement with Canberra Metro for the project. The total delivery phase cost for this contract is $577 million.
The project will see three new stops built at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Avenue, extending the network by 1.7 kilometres - providing a greater connection between the city and the lake.
The alignment travelling along London Circuit will transform the southern part of the CBD, providing public transport to major employment and future housing precincts in City West, the ANU, City South, Acton Waterfront and Commonwealth Park. Already, there has been significant interest in ACT Government land release along the route – similar
to the experience with stage 1 of the project.
Light rail to Commonwealth Park will be delivered wire-free to support National Capital Authority requirements for a future connection through the Parliamentary Triangle. In a Canberra first, the light rail corridor to Commonwealth Park will include sections of green track where the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments on a 50:50 basis.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is proud to be contributing this additional investment to this fantastic infrastructure project, further expanding access for Canberra's residents to the city and the lake.
"Projects like this demonstrate the Albanese Labor Government's commitment to projects which will support employment in our cities, and improve amenity.
"The Canberra Light Rail is a city-defining project which will deliver greater connectivity for residents all across the capital".
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:
"It's great to see our governments working together to deliver on this important transport project.
"This investment continues the Albanese Government's record of investing in Canberra since our election."
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"The extension of the light rail network to Commonwealth Park is part of our plan to build Canberra's future – improving public transport, supporting jobs and shaping our city centre.
The Gungahlin to Commonwealth Park line will service major employment and retail hubs, universities and recreation facilities.
"The commitment made today in signing this contract represents by a significant investment in Canberra by both Governments. It is an example of how the National Capital Investment Framework will result in ongoing investment in our infrastructure.
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel:
"Stage 2A is the next step in extending Canberra's mass transit line to provide reliable and sustainable transport to our growing city.
"The line extension will service the ANU, homes and businesses in City West and residential and recreational precincts at Acton Waterfront and Commonwealth Park.
"A recent survey indicates that 51 per cent of current light rail users will use at least one of the new Stage 2A light rail stops.
"The project will deliver a high quality walkable street environment for pedestrians and cyclists with improved access to public transport, reshaping the south of our CBD."
Joint media release: The Hon Catherine King MP, Andrew Barr MLA, and Chris Steel MLA
