Released 16/10/2017
With the first tracks laid on stage one of Canberra’s city-wide light rail network, I am meeting key partners in the stage one consortium to discuss the progress of the project as well as opportunities on futures stages.
In Germany, I will meet with the operator of the light rail stage one network Deutsche Bahn, which is one of the largest transport companies in the world. As the construction of the project continues, our discussion will focus on the operation of the city’s first light rail service and opportunities for integration of the services with stage 2, connecting the city centre to Woden.
I will also visit the Spanish factory where Canberra’s light rail carriages are being made to inspect the first units as they roll off the production floor. The factory inspection is part of the Government’s contract with the Canberra Metro consortium.
The construction and operation of stage one of the city wide light rail network attracted some of the biggest multinational corporations in the world. With planning on stage two underway, the Government is keen to discuss the development of the project with the industry.
I will also meet with Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, Director of the Mercator Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change to discuss smart city strategies and Mr Lluis Noguera, CEO, Global Power Generation on their plans for expansion into the rapidly expanding Australian renewables market from their Canberra headquarters.
Meetings will also be held with Acciona to discuss infrastructure investment opportunities in Canberra. The company has recently built the biggest photovoltaic plant (24 MWp) in Australia at Royalla as a contractor for FRV (a leading global utility-scale solar developer).
The estimated cost of the delegation for the Chief Minister’s office is $24,000. The final cost will be released as part of the regular travel reports.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases