To progress planning approvals in the National Capital Area for the next stage of light rail to Woden, the ACT Government has sent a submission to the Australian Government, as required under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservations (EPBC) Act.
“Now that we’ve signed the construction contract for light rail to Commonwealth Park, we’re pressing forward with the planning, design and consultation for the next stage of the Light Rail to Woden – as promised,” Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport, said.
The alignment identified in the National Capital Plan for Light Rail Stage 2B through the Parliamentary Triangle is via Commonwealth Avenue and State Circle.
The new EPBC referral expands the scope of the previous referral to examine alternative stops in the National Triangle and Barton, ensuring the project remains flexible as planning work progresses, the government says.
“By taking multiple options through the Environmental Impact Statement development process, we can compare the current preferred stops and alignment for Stage 2B on Commonwealth Avenue and State Circle with alternatives,” Mr Steel said.
“This project is complex and requires multiple planning approvals from the Federal Government and Federal Parliament. A thorough approach, with a higher level of design and comparison of an alternative alignment, will help to reduce project risk as we work through each milestone on the way to Woden.”
At the same time, the government is working on the detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will be required after the updated EPBC Referral.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a comprehensive assessment of the project’s anticipated benefits and impacts, including proposed impact management and mitigation measures.
This year, consultation will occur on updated infrastructure, including new stops and active travel connections on the line to Woden, including the Parliamentary Triangle.
Canberrans, including people living and working along the alignment, are encouraged to have their say on the design of the project as the EIS is developed.
Feedback captured will inform the EIS and the draft concept design for the extension of the light rail line.
“We are engaging Canberrans early so they can help shape how the project is designed to ensure that we maximise the benefits for communities along the line,” Mr Steel said.
To be notified of upcoming engagement opportunities, subscribe for project updates at act.gov.au/lightrailtowoden.
“Canberra’s light rail network will deliver benefits for Canberra for decades to come,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“We are investing and building an asset that will serve the nation’s capital now and into the future. It will create thousands of jobs, and make sure our growing city has the infrastructure it needs.
“Canberra’s population will grow beyond half a million people in the coming years. We need to progressively build the transport network a bigger city needs to avoid the congestion problems faced by other cities.”
