Page 3630 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 27 October 2015

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of the demand-driving opportunities and constraints of each corridor as well as the potential for urban renewal, transit oriented development and corridor growth.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.

DR BOURKE: Minister, could you outline the significance of the high priority corridors outlined in the light rail network? Have any approaches been made to the federal government, given the high priority of these corridors?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Dr Bourke for his supplementary. The transport for Canberra plan identifies three high priority corridors, which are the parliamentary triangle, Woden to the city, and the eastern connections to Canberra Airport and Fyshwick. The parliamentary triangle is at the heart of the public transport network, providing connections to the rest of the Canberra network. Connecting light rail to this important zone south of the lake also opens up future corridors in Canberra’s south and will help to link north and south as a truly connected centre.

A well-connected centre will support Canberra’s growing tourism and education sectors and will capitalise on the potential for agglomeration benefits of inner Canberra. The large commonwealth government presence inside the parliamentary triangle makes light rail to Parliament House and the national institutions well suited to federal funding. It would support the National Capital Authority’s Kings and Commonwealth avenues place renewal plan, which will re-establish the important symbolic role of the avenues and repair and reconceptualise their layout, form and character.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is aware of the transformative effects of light rail, and has recently observed that infrastructure like light rail helps to relieve congestion and makes our cities more livable. The Woden to city corridor connects the city and parliamentary triangle with the Woden town centre. These are strong drivers for the delivery of light rail, and the draft Woden town centre master plan has considered the opportunities arising from a future light rail connection to reinforce the identity of the town centre and surrounds, and develop these locations as walkable, connected communities.

The eastern connections to the airport and Fyshwick provide a public transport connection between the city and the economic centres of the airport precinct and Fyshwick. There is significant opportunity for demand-driven development between Narrabundah and Barton, as well as along Constitution Avenue. The high density development at Kingston will also provide significant opportunities for our growing city. (Time expired.)

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Porter.

MS PORTER: Minister, how important is the light rail network to the integration of public transport under the transport Canberra agency, which the Chief Minister announced earlier today?


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