A Shorten Labor Government would reduce traffic congestion for residents of the City’s south with a $200 million investment towards the Stage II construction of Canberra’s Light Rail project. 

This project is an example of Federal Labor’s determination to work with states and territories to tackle traffic congestion and create jobs in Australian cities.
 
Labor will invest in public transport projects that will make a real difference to people’s daily lives in Canberra and create secure, local jobs.
 
With the first stage of the project from Gungahlin to Civic nearing completion, the second stage will extend the line over Lake Burley Griffin through the Parliament Triangle and on to Woden.
 
On current population projections 210,000 people will live within 1 kilometre of the Woden corridor by 2041. The ACT Labor Government is already working on detailed planning for the project.
 
Canberra is our nation’s proud capital and we will make sure this beautiful city shines and has the right infrastructure to attract new tourism and economic opportunities. 
 
Instead of Australians being stuck in traffic jams, we want them to get home quickly so they can spend more time with their families and friends.
 
Traffic congestion damages the economy by acting as a hand brake on productivity growth.
 
Better public transport takes cars off our roads and makes our transport system more efficient, which in turn sets the scene for stronger economic growth and job creation.
            
Stage 1 Light Rail construction has created up to 1400 direct jobs during construction and Light Rail Stage II will create hundreds more.
 
Light Rail Stage II requires Federal legislation because it will pass through land controlled by the Commonwealth.
 
In accordance with the National Capital Plan, a Parliamentary Committee has endorsed the direct route proposed through State Circle.
 
This commitment ensures the ACT Government can continue planning the project knowing it will attract federal support.
 
The ACT Government has a progressive, long term vision for Canberra, which Federal Labor supports.