MICK Gentleman has given the light rail line to Gungahlin a boost by legislating to remove planning controls over Capital Metro.

“These changes are needed to ensure the first stage of the Capital Metro project can continue to progress smoothly without any potential lengthy legal delays,” Mick said.

The Planning and Development (Capital Metro) Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 includes the removal of review rights to the ACAT for capital works projects directly linked to the Stage 1 Capital Metro project, including tracks, depots and associated infrastructure.

The amendments, Mick says, will ensure a more timely and efficient delivery of the Capital Metro light rail project.

“There will still be the need for broad community consultation within the required development applications under the Planning and Development Act; however these changes to the appeals process reassure the ACT community that this proposed major development will be able to go ahead on schedule,” Minister Gentleman said.

Other planning changes in relation to this project, including future development applications, will be publicly notified and subject to public consultation as the project continues to develop.

“The ACT Government has committed to lay the first tracks of the transformative project in 2016 and this legislative reform will allow this to happen,” Minister Gentleman concluded.

We note that 2016 is an election year.