ANDREW James Barr, a Rolling Stones “fanatic” with an abiding love for Canberra, has become the Territory’s seventh chief minister.

And whatever he says – “You won’t see radical change in terms of policy priorities” – things are going to be different following Katy Gallagher’s sudden ascent to the Senate.

Characteristically, the 41-year-old is keeping his foot on the accelerator, affirming to “CityNews” that the tram plans are rolling on, rates reform will continue, the becalmed City to the Lake will have some news in the New Year and there are Territory assets heading to the auction block – but not Floriade, though changes are afoot.

On public transport Barr says he is “committed to increasing investment in public transport, including light rail.”

“The lived experience around the world is that cities that prioritise public transport have stronger economic performance,” he says. “Good public transport infrastructure is essential for the sustainable growth of a city.”

He believes the “heavy lifting” of rates reform is almost complete.

“Tax reform has driven considerable economic activity in the past few years – particularly in the commercial property sector,” he says.

“Stamp duty has been cut on every single property in Canberra saving purchasers thousands of dollars (sometimes tens of thousands of dollars).

“The Government will continue tax reform in future budgets, but the heavy lifting has nearly been completed with the complete abolition of insurance tax due in 2016. Beyond 2016, the Government will continue to cut stamp duty each Budget.”

Barr is seen as an “ideas man” and one of his biggest was City to the Lake, which was parked by Gallagher in the face of the Mr Fluffy liability hitting the Territory’s Budget.

Barr is hinting at getting it restarted with the promise of announcements in the New Year around private sector investment.

“The Government will continue to develop the City to the Lake project in stages,” he says. “The Westside pop-up village at Acton Park will open this summer. Work continues on the west basin waterfront project, the Parkes 3 land release, convention centre business case, city aquatic centre planning and the new theatre feasibility study.”

He confirmed the Government is considering a range of “old assets” that could be sold to invest in “new assets”. Despite the rumours, there are no plans for ActewAGL, Icon Water or EPIC.

“Older Government buildings, undeveloped land, and ageing public housing are areas currently being worked on – particularly along Northbourne Avenue.

And Floriade? “It will always remain free under a Labor Government, and will remain a flagship event for Canberrans and visitors alike to enjoy,” he says. “There are some exciting new proposals to expand the event that the Government will consider in the New Year.

“Canberra is a city of brilliant possibilities and I am passionate about making our city an even better place to live – a place where there are jobs, opportunities and a future for all,” he says, promising to bring energy, ideas and experience to his new role.

“I am a proud Canberran – my family moved here in 1977 when I was four years old. I grew up in Canberra’s suburbs, completed all of my education and university here and have worked in the public and private sectors over the past 20 years.

“I will always stand up for Canberra. If that means telling the Federal Government that its policies are hurting Canberrans – and indeed all Australians given the important role the public service has in delivering services right across the country – I’ll continue to do that.

“I have been a Minister since 2006 and Deputy Chief Minister since 2011. So I understand this city and its people and what makes it tick.”

Some secrets…

• “I am a Rolling Stones fanatic – own every album they have ever released and saw them twice on their recent Australian tour.”

• “My favourite TV shows are ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘House of Cards’, ‘Scandal’, ‘Fargo’ and ‘Looking’.”

• “During my Canberra junior cricket career in the 1980s I played in the City U13s and U14s team with James Hird and we used to play against George Gregan.”