Greens MLAs Andrew Braddock and Jo Clay moved a co-sponsored motion calling on the Government to accelerate planning for Canberra’s light rail network. 

The motion called on the ACT Government to:

• progress work on planning for Light Rail Stage 2B in order to ensure the submission of a Works Approval Application to the National Capital Authority before the end of the 2027 calendar year;
• include the Mawson extension in the plans for Stage 2B in the interests of fully servicing the Woden Valley and avoiding additional disruption to the Woden Town Centre during future works to construct Stage 4 to Lanyon;
• commence feasibility study work for stage 3, representing the route from Brindabella Business Park to Kippax; 
• commence funding for construction of the promised Belconnen Transitway in 2026-2027; and
• plan for a simultaneous expansion of the ACT’s fleet of electric buses, to grow the public transport network around the developing light rail routes. 

Labor moved amendments to the motion removing the calls to finalise a Works Approval Application to the National Capital Authority before the end of the 2027 calendar year, and to commence feasibility study work for Stage 3. Their amendments also softened the Mawson extension call to including it as an option in the business case for Stage 2B, and the call to commence detailed design for the Belconnen Transitway in 2026-2027.

Thomas spoke on the motion and in support of Labor’s amendments, emphasising his support for light rail while reflecting on the need for strong scrutiny and clear-headed decision-making at each stage of the project given the costs involved. Labor’s amendments were, however, voted down by the Greens and the Liberals. 

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick moved an amendment adding a call for the Government to plan dedicated bus lanes along Cotter Road and between Woden and Civic. Despite support from Thomas and the Greens, the amendment was voted down by Labor and the Liberals.

Thomas highlighted that the motion in its original form risked limiting Assembly scrutiny of the light rail project and imposed unrealistic deadlines that may not deliver quality outcomes from a transport, planning and environmental perspective. He also expressed frustration and confusion, however, that building out the light rail network had proven to be so difficult and costly for the ACT Government, given most other capital cities seem to be able to afford quality public transport networks. 

The Greens’ unamended motion was voted down by Labor, the Liberals, Thomas and Ms Carrick.