[Peakoil-announce] Stanhope proposes light rail

[Alex Pollard]

http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=7115

STANHOPE LISTS LIGHT RAIL AS ACT PRIORITY FOR COMMONWEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE 
FUNDING
Published: July 9, 2008, 2:11 pm
Section: Jon Stanhope, MLA | Media Releases 

The ACT Government has listed a light rail system for the ACT as one of the 
major infrastructure projects it believes worthy of consideration for 
Commonwealth funding under the $20 billion Building Australia Fund. 

In response to a request from the Rudd Federal Government for suggested 
major infrastructure projects, the ACT Government has proposed a light rail 
system linking Civic to the Airport, Parliamentary Triangle and major town 
centres — a project that could cost around $1 billion to achieve. 

Also on the ACT’s list of worthy projects are a Very Fast Train linking 
three or possible four eastern capitals, including Canberra, and a major 
solar power station for the ACT. 

It has also listed the construction of the Majura Parkway, which would play 
an important role in any future development of the Canberra airport as a 
freight hub, as well as delivering significant benefits to local road users 
and road freight on the Monaro and Federal Highways. 

In the area of improving water security, the ACT Government has listed two 
possible projects for Building Australia funding — the massive enlargement 
of the Cotter dam from 4 gigalitres to 78 gigalitres, and the planned 
Murrumbidgee-to-Googong project, under which water would be pumped from the 
river for storage in the Googong dam. 

The Government has also asked for consideration to be given to the funding 
of a back-up power line into the ACT, which would deliver greater security 
of energy supply, and the construction of a high-pressure trunk gas main. 

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today he had written to the Minister for 
Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, this week, listing the ACT’s priorities 
for consideration. 

“Each of these projects have benefits that extend beyond the borders of the 
ACT, delivering potential benefits in terms of climate change, regional 
water security and regional transport,” Mr Stanhope said. 

The fund was announced by the Rudd Government in this year’s federal 
Budget. The first allocations from the fund are expected to be made in 2009-
10. 

“I believe the ACT’s identified projects match well with the Rudd 
Government’s stated priorities of helping Australian industry get its goods 
to market quickly and cheaply and improving the functioning and quality of 
life in cities and regional centres,” Mr Stanhope said. 


Media Contact:

Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf at act.gov.au 
Penelope Layland 6205 9777 0438 289 714 penelope.layland at act.gov.au