Light Rail Project Delivery Report released
05 July 2019
The
ACT Government today released
the
City to Gungahlin Light
Rail Project Delivery Report, which reflects on the outcomes from
the
procurement and delivery of this world-class project.
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris said the release of the report
confirms the delivery of the project was under budget and largely on
time.
“Light rail has been the biggest single infrastructure project for our
city, which I think we can all agree is having a transformative effect
on our city," Minister Fitzharris said.
“Light rail has been one of the first
Public-Private-Partnerships that
the ACT Government has entered into, and there is a lot we can take from
the success of this project.
“The key outcomes of this report confirm the final cost of construction
at $675 million, and the Benefit Cost Ratio increase from 1:2 to 1:3,
noting that this could improve even further as future benefits are
realised. The project has also been delivered within the timeframes of
our original investment decision.
“Another key outcome has been the number of Canberrans embracing the new
services, with patronage already exceeding projected estimates, which is
great to see.”
The ACT Government has previously released the
business case and
contract for the project. The release of this report today provides the
community with even more detail about the project’s performance – a
degree of detail not typically provided by other major projects around
Australia.
“As with any large complex infrastructure project, there have been many
successes celebrated and there have also been challenges to overcome.
“It is important to be open about these challenges as they present
valuable lessons that will not only inform future stages of light rail,
but infrastructure development more broadly.”
The City to Gungahlin light rail project is the first stage of a
Canberra-wide light rail network, which is fundamentally improving the
way we work, live and connect.
A number of improvements were made to the project’s original scope to
enhance the project and deliver additional benefits for light rail users
and the people of
Canberra.
The first stage saw around 5,000 people work on the project, and the
Government will build on that industry knowledge through the planning
for Stage Two from City to Woden.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved in the project,
in particular our partners Canberra Metro who have delivered a word
class light rail service.
“Canberra is now better connected with the light rail route from
Gungahlin to the City, and this work now continues with the second stage
of light rail.
“The funding delivered in this year’s Budget will allow us to continue
the important planning and design work that is needed, including work on
a new Woden Bus Interchange that will integrate with light rail, to
ensure the project keeps moving ahead while we progress route design and
approvals.
“We are also in the process of referring Stage Two for assessment under
the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act – a
key step to clarifying heritage and environment considerations for the
project.
“We look forward to working with the Commonwealth Government, the
National Capital Authority and the community more broadly as this work
progresses,” said Minister Fitzharris.
Further work will take place over the next 12 months to continue to
assess the benefits of light rail for Canberra.
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
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