The ACT Government will this week kick off in-depth engagement with local businesses to assist with planning for raising London Circuit, as work gathers momentum on delivering Stage 2 of light rail.
To commence direct business engagement, Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel and the Disruption Taskforce will host two roundtables on November 14 and 16.
These sessions will provide an opportunity for businesses in the construction zone to hear about what's coming up with project works in the months ahead, and provide their feedback on how the government can partner with business to manage its impacts.
"Light rail to Woden will be Canberra's biggest ever infrastructure project. That means we need a big program of engagement so that businesses and local residents can help shape how we deliver it," said Minister Steel.
"We're being upfront with city-based businesses and the broader Canberra community that the construction of light rail to Woden will be disruptive, so we're also making sure we communicate early and often about what's happening before construction starts next year."
Through the roundtables, representatives from the light rail project delivery team and the Disruption Taskforce will seek feedback from businesses about how factors like construction scheduling, sequencing and works delivery may affect their operations. The sessions will also explore lessons learned from other major infrastructure projects around Australia and construction of Stage 1, to identify practical initiatives that can support businesses during the delivery of this significant project.
"We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses across Canberra. We want to partner with those in the construction zone to provide the right information and support as we start work on this project that will benefit our city for generations to come," said Minister Steel.
At the same time as commencing engagement with businesses, the ACT Government is also launching a survey for the broader Canberra community to understand how upcoming disruption to the traffic network may change the way people travel.
"During the construction of light rail to Woden, there will be impacts to the road network, public transport routes and active travel connections both in and out of the city. This will affect commuters in different ways, particularly those on Canberra's southside," said Minister Steel.
"This survey will help us better understand how, why and how often people are currently travelling to the city, and how we can minimise impacts during the construction period.
"In preparation of the disruption we will be asking Canberrans to re-think their routes and re-think their routines for commuting. Feedback from the survey will help identify opportunities to support people to make those different travel choices.
"By working closely with local businesses and the Canberra community as we build light rail to Woden, we are aiming to minimise the disruption where we can while ensuring everyone shares in the benefits of a more vibrant, connected and sustainable city."
The survey can be accessed at transport.act.gov.au and act.gov.au/lightrailtowoden
