Two decades on - did Canberra need light rail in the 90's ?

The recent debate over the Capital Metro project is almost a repeat of the mid 90's push for light rail - with one exception. In 2015 the light rail project has been legislated for and funding arranged. Contracts will be signed and the project will occur. The government also has a mandate from the 2012 election to proceed with the transformational public transport scheme.

What have we lost in the two decades since the naysayers scuttled the vision ?

You decide.

David Lamont, Urban Services Minister - 11 Jan 1995

Kate Carnell, then opposition leader 18 Jan 1995 

Dec 21 1994

Nov 15 1992

2 Jan 1989

PM Tony Abbott supports Capital Metro light rail in Canberra

Prime Minister Tony Abbott provides yet more support for the ACT light rail project in contrast to his Canberra Liberal comrades. When asked a question about whether the federal government would fund an extension to the Gold Coast light rail, Prime Minister Abbott praised the ACT Governments approach to Capital Metro funding by using asset recycling money and the Federal Governments $60 million contribution.

ABC News online reports on it here.

ABC Canberra TV carried a report on its 10 Jul 2015 evening news bulletin.

A full transcript of the interview is here.


For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.  

Canberra Liberals survey on light rail

The Canberra Liberals have a survey online, using an interesting URL:

http://www.lightrailcanberra.com/

It sends you to a simple survey with an interesting first question.

After answering the detailed one question survey, you are presented with this inaccurate information. 

I am sure it's not deliberate but the Canberra liberals are wrong. The population within 1 kilometre of the corridor of Capital Metro Stage One is actually a little under 8% of the Canberra population, as of the last census.

I urge you to share your thoughts with them.

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.