ACT, QBN discuss movement on cross-border transport

[Buzz Killington]

Progress on improving the transport links between Canberra and Queanbeyan, including the inaugural meeting of the Eastern Regional Transport Taskforce, were high on the agenda for today's quarterly meeting between the ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Queanbeyan Mayor Tim Overall.

Mr Stanhope said the ACT Government was investing significantly in the ACT's public transport network, including targeted investments to improve public transport and road links between Canberra and Queanbeyan.

"The ACT Government is serious about improving our public transport network in every part of the National Capital including better links between the City Centre and Queanbeyan," Mr Stanhope said.

"This year's Budget provided $8.2 million for bus priority measures along Canberra Avenue - the major transit corridor between Canberra and Queanbeyan. Funding was also committed to extend the high frequency REDEX bus service to east Fyshwick and to investigate a park and ride facility along the Eastern corridor.

"The ACT Government will continue to work closely with the Queanbeyan City Council and the new Eastern Regional Transport Taskforce as we roll-out significant improvements to our public transport network to meet the needs of our growing city.

"We also need to work closely to ensure that existing roads can meet future cross-border demand, and that new road investments occur in parallel with major new residential developments."

Cr Overall said the inaugural meeting of the Eastern Regional Transport Taskforce on Tuesday 22 June 2010 would help to drive better transport links between the two cities.

"The transport taskforce will allow representatives from Canberra and Queanbeyan to work together to ensure the traffic network meets the transport needs of residents," Cr Overall said. "With Queanbeyan's population projected to exceed 70,000 by 2031 we need to act now to ensure the traffic network can cope with the rise in population.''

The meeting between the Chief Minister and the Queanbeyan Mayor was the latest in a regular program of meetings aimed at fostering greater communication and collaboration on cross-border issues.