Page 2547 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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report states that the modelling used is not yet available; the only business benefit listed relates to the Mantra Hotel on Northbourne Avenue; and the report was based on approximately two months of operation? To my mind, this just does not cut it.
The latest report even tries to reduce the impact of light rail on businesses, saying that it is difficult to attribute how much of this was related to the project itself. Clearly the downturn in local businesses along the light rail corridor can be directly linked to the construction of light rail. All you have to do is go out there and ask them. Trying to blame other projects in the town centre is ridiculous; all of these projects are directly related to light rail.
As I have said all along, let us stop the spin and just use a bit of common sense here. Again, I stand here today to ask the government, in good faith, to conduct a comprehensive review for local businesses. I want them to consult in a meaningful way, to allow local businesses the time and opportunity to provide financial data. Local businesses deserve this chance to be heard. We need to assess this project, and not just in terms of cost-benefit ratios or abstract values. After all, we are talking about people, not just dollars.
Whilst so many Canberrans work hard and struggle to get by, business owners are a unique bunch. They take risk; they put it on the line; they try to do something different. In doing so, they provide economic benefits to the ACT; they provide jobs for Canberrans; they provide valuable products and services to our community; and they provide opportunities for commercial development and innovation.
Madam Speaker, I want the government to stop and listen. I want them to avoid the usual spin. I want them to deliver on the commitment they made back in February to do this. I want them to be transparent and honest about the impact of this project. And we want a positive outcome for local businesses after years of chaos. That is why I commend this motion to the Assembly. I ask the government to provide support for this long overdue action.
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee—Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Transport and City Services) (5.11): I am very pleased to speak to this motion today, which highlights the benefits that light rail is bringing to our city. Light rail is a significant investment in better transport for Canberra and also in the economic development of our city and growth in the business sector, directly and indirectly creating jobs in our local industries and creating new transit-supported communities.
Investment in our transport system helps to reduce congestion and improves the community’s mobility. It improves access to employment and services and ensures that Canberra continues to be a better place to live and to do business. Canberra’s light rail is already leading new investment in the transit corridor through new development projects and the establishment of new businesses that take advantage of the certainty that comes with a light rail line.
Last September, the government tabled a report on the business impact assessment of the ACT government-led construction activities in Gungahlin. It was prepared from a
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