The ACT Government has today provided clarity over the intended timeline for the light rail line to Woden, which is set to be built between 2028 and 2033. This announcement is welcomed by Property Council of Australia, which has consistently advocated for transparency over project pipelines.
The Light Rail Stage 2B project will extend Canberra’s light rail network further south and provide a north-south transport link from Gungahlin through the City Centre and on to Woden, helping to provide ACT residents with more transport options and reduce traffic congestion.
“For the benefits of Light Rail Stage 2B to be realised, industry needs certainty on its delivery in order to provide the density and housing required along the corridor,” said Shane Martin, ACT & Capital Region Executive Director at the Property Council of Australia.
“The announcement today providing the timeline for construction sends the message to industry and the community on when we should expect the largest infrastructure project for our Capital. It is great to see the government providing certainty on this milestone project, which will contribute to the liveability and commercial appeal of the Territory.
“Now it is time to turn our attention to a deliberate Transport Oriented Development (TOD) strategy. A specific TOD strategy should be created for light rail that includes a specific vision and a goal for density along light rail routes into the future, as well as deliberate plans to engage with industry.
“A TOD strategy would provide further benefits for the light rail, through optimising the use of land and infrastructure, preserving open spaces, and protecting natural resources. By promoting high-density development around existing transport nodes, TOD has the potential to deliver network-wide efficiencies, improve agglomeration economics, transform accessibility and liveability, and ultimately provide better place-based outcomes for communities.
“It just makes sense.
“The Property Council stands ready to work with government as they develop their strategy around maximising the benefits of light rail going forward.”
