Light rail project for Canberra moves ahead after business case approved - ABC Online

By Jonathon Gul

Updated September 15, 2014 12:46:51

The first stage of Canberra's proposed light rail network will go ahead after the business case for the contentious project was approved.

Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell made an announcement about the proposed timeline and budget at a gathering of more than 300 industry representatives.

The construction cost for the light rail link between Gungahlin and Civic along Northbourne Avenue has previously been estimated at $614 million.

However the Government has agreed to set aside up to $783 million for the public transport project.

"The first stage of Canberra's light rail network will be delivered as a public-private partnership, delivering cost certainty and minimising risk to the ACT Government," Mr Corbell said.

"The cost of the project will be determined by a competitive market process, however the estimated capital cost of the project is $610 million plus a $173 million contingency."

The expression of interest process for businesses wanting to help build the tram line will open at the end of October.

The full business case for the project will be released on the same day.

Mr Corbell said the project was the first stage of a city-wide network.

"The business case shows a very strong return for the Canberra community," he said.

The Government was confident it would attract enough investors to build the tram line.

"We already know that a number of consortia have formed. They know that this is a real opportunity to shape the future of our city," Mr Corbell added.

Topics: states-and-territories, urban-development-and-planning, canberra-2600, act

First posted September 15, 2014 12:09:59