CANBERRA BUSINESSES PAY THE PRICE FOR GOVERNMENT MISTAKES... AGAIN!
James Milligan MLA
Shadow Minister for City Services
Shadow Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation
Media Statement
5 March 2025
The ACT Shadow Minister for Business, Arts, and Creative Services, James Milligan MLA, calls on the ACT Government to learn from their mistakes.
“In 2018 the government acknowledged the disruption to local business and community, caused by the significant construction from the Light Rail Stage 1 project. They said they would do things differently based on their lessons learnt.”
“Business owners in the city are experiencing the exact same issues that plagued Gungahlin and Mitchell during Stage 1 construction of the Light Rail. They still have not recovered.”
“It is clear that any ‘lessons learnt’ from Stage 1 do not address the issues that have had an adverse impact on local businesses.”
“Stage 2A closures have already had an adverse impact on local businesses, including:
A drop in trade by up to 40%;
Noise pollution;
Dust generation because of construction activities;
Limited access for foot traffic, including inadequate accessibility for wheelchairs, prams etc;
Reduction of road access and nearby parking”
“For every one of these businesses, there are real people relying on an income. Income to put food on the table for their families; a student paying their way through university, or maybe supporting an up-and-coming Entrepreneur.”
“We are asking the government to have the integrity to do what they said they would and support the businesses impacted by government construction.”
“However, the Treasurer has ruled out any financial compensation for these businesses, despite there being provisions under the Financial Management Act that allow for government support.”
“It is clear to me that the government continues to leave a trail of destruction for local businesses along the light rail corridor. This started in Gungahlin, and I fear that it will continue all the way to Tuggeranong.”
“The ACT Government needs to lift their standards because Canberra deserves better,” Mr Milligan concluded.
