The ACT Government released the Project Delivery report for light rail today.
You can download a copy from here.
The Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris MLA released a media statement accompanying the report.
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.
Please find the Report attached.
Statement ends
To stay up to date with all public transport and planning issues in Canberra,join the PTCBR here and visit our Facebook Group.