Campaign for Light Rail...Campaign for Light Rail...
The Gungahlin Community Council has been very proactive in promoting the concept of Light Rail as a complementary public transport mode (in conjunction with the construction of roads) for the Gungahlin region.
Within these pages you will find documentation, articles and links to light rail and related topics (many of the links may refer to overseas sites as Australia has only a few commercial tram/light rail systems). This page is not intended to be an exhaustive source of references and resources, and if you (or the organisation you represent) can provide the Gungahlin Community Council with additional information we will be happy to either link or include that information from this page. ACT Light Rail Coalition The objective of this group is "to accelerate the establishment of Light Rail as the backbone of the ACT's public transport infrastructure" and the group's efforts and resources will be concentrated on achieving this objective. The vision for the Light Rail system: (a) A Light Rail system for the whole of the ACT; (b) A Light Rail system that will initially link all Town Centres and areas of significant employment; (c) A Light Rail system that is constructed in a staged configuration; (d) That the first stage of the Light Rail system should be from Civic to Gungahlin. Meetings held monthly - contact the group via their website for more details.
Letter from the Gungahlin Community Council to the Minister for Planning Simon Corbell MLA reporting the outcome of the 8th May 2002 meeting and other recommendationsMr Simon Corbell
Minister for Planning
ACT Legislate of Assembly
cc: All MLA and members of the GCC light rail information group (by email).
Dear Mr Corbell, On behalf of the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) I would like to advise you that the GCC has decided to support a light rail network for the ACT. The Council will be active in promoting the link from Civic to Gungahlin as the first stage of the network and will take all necessary actions to ensure that this issue is not allowed to stagnate.
The GCC has arrived at this decision following an information session hosted by the GCC 13th February 2002, followed by a debate held 8th May 2002. The Council has also provided a communication hub via our website www.gcc.asn.au
The Council supports the Civic to Gungahlin route as shown on the Territory Plan (ITP route) i.e.. Northbourne Avenue to EPIC and along Flemington Road to the Gungahlin Town Centre.
Comments regarding the draft Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study paper
After consideration of the document (Sections 1 to 5 only) the GCC would like to suggest that the following items be considered for inclusion in the terms of reference for any Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study: The growth of Gungahlin is the greatest of any area in the ACT and therefore should be a significant component of any study into public transport. Traffic problems are already significant and will only increase with the growth of the Gungahlin population.
Public transport needs and traffic corridors can be minimised by refocusing commitment to the principals of the Territory Plan, which identifies Town Centres as providing a hub for commerce and employment.
A long-term commitment to providing Gungahlin with equitable commercial and employment opportunities needs to be considered as part of this study.
The benefits for attracting employment and investment to Gungahlin should be explored with a focus on the probable impact on commercial and residential development made by commitment to a light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin.
The Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study should fully explore the development of a modern light rail network for the ACT, including the following considerations:
The first link of the light rail network should be the link Civic to Gungahlin along the route as shown on the Territory Plan (ITP route).
The study should include an economic assessment of the above route based on patronage and increased land revenue of land adjacent to the corridor (as a result of the commitment to light rail).
Any economic assessment of the light rail option for Civic to Gungahlin should include the consideration of cost savings which can be achieved by avoiding the construction of roads which would be required to deliver equitable transport corridors for Gungahlin residents. ie. The construction of Monash Drive.
A realistic time frame for the construction of a staged light rail network should be developed as part of the study, noting that the light rail link (Civic to Gungahlin) could be designed and constructed within a timeframe of three years.
That consideration be given to developing the EPIC car parking areas as an extensive park and ride facility that forms a hub for car, bus and light rail interchange.
That any light rail network should be designed to be compatible and complementary to the existing ACT bus service.
As you are aware, at this time, the GCC does not have access to the information contained in sections 6 to 13 of the Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study paper. For this reason the GCC is unable to comment or make suggestions regarding any of the information contained in sections 6 to 13 of the paper.
Should you require further information, I can be contacted on (H) 6242 9444 (M) 041 7272 019.
Yours sincerely
Ian Ruecroft
President, Gungahlin Community Council
9th May 2002 [Return to top]
DRAFT Terms of Reference for the Study Brief for Public Transport Futures feasibility StudyThe ACT Government, Urban Services, Planning and Land Management: "DRAFT Study Brief for Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study (April 2002)" is available for download as a Microsoft Word (Native Format) document. 
Click to download
DRAFT Study Brief for Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study - April 2002 (MS Word DOC) | | |
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Light Rail Internet Resources on the InternetAustralian Light Rail and Tram Networks:
These links refer to organisations operating light rail and trams services in urban areas of Australia. (Please note that "tourist attraction" systems have been specifically excluded) Other Proposed Australian Light Rail Networks And Related Discussion Topics:
These sites are included to illustrate other areas considering (or have considered) light rail transport options The following links provide information and documents related to the UK Government - House of Commons: Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs - Eighth Report on Light Rapid Transit Systems. Interesting evidence submitted in relation to the report:
Alternatives to Light Rail:
Here you will find links to operational technology alternatives to Light Rail (and the "traditional" bus) from around the world: Australian Special Interest Sites:
These sites are run by societies with interests in Light Rail and Trams. International Special Interest Sites:
You will find references to light rail networks, technologies and other special interest categories at these sites
Minutes of the GCC Light Rail Meeting - 8th May 2002This monthly meeting of the Gungahlin Community Council discussed the issues around Light Rail. 
Click to download
Minutes of a Meeting of the Gungahlin Community Coucil - 8th May 2002 (RTF) | | |
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