ALISTAIR Coe says the Canberra Liberals are not supporting the Barr government’s plan to spend $24 million on light rail this financial year.

“The Canberra Liberals do not support the Barr government’s proposal for a light rail line from Gungahlin to the City. We don’t support light rail because it will cost a billion dollars to build, but will carry just one percent of Canberra’s population during peak hour,” Alistair said.

“In June’s ACT Budget, the government committed $24 million to funding the Capital Metro Agency through the 2015-16 financial year. This is more misdirected money that Canberrans could have had put towards worthy projects.

“This $24 million is in addition last year’s $23.5 million and separate to the $783 million construction cost of the project.

“We also don’t believe the ACT government can afford light rail right now. A deficit of $597 million was recorded in the 2014/15 financial year, while the budget is forecast to have a deficit of $407.5 million this financial year.

“The Canberra Liberals do not support light rail. Consequently, we won’t support this government spending another $24 million on this ill-conceived project this year,” Mr Coe concluded.