Another huge waste of money surely we are in enough debt already but what are the economic benefits and who will this serve?

Nothing has changed since The Simpsons saw Lyle Lanley introduce the monorail to Springfield. This project is a money sink and a vanity project for small mens’ fragile egos.

If we were to do the job properly, it would have been a different route and likely underground with lines radiating out from this high population hub. Invoking false equivalence with European cities is redirection; this project would appear to be driven by personal hubris and fear of failure. Once the Chief is crowbarred from his office, there will be some kind of reckoning but until then we will see a succession of end of week, pre-holiday releases that are timed to get lost in the noise.

Is the raising of London Circuit incorporated in the cost? And the arrangements for a battery light rail vehicle, too? So perhaps there are some design elements with further benefit.

Remember that the Stage 1 plans included a “turn left” towards Kings Avenue, an extension which would have a huge boost in patronage of the original railway line. Arguably it’s the unfinished leg of Stage 1. It would help the light railway head to offices eastward, and even look towards a walk to Barton, but strengthen the link towards the Airport and extension to Kingston/Fyshwick corridor; this eastward push would help develop the Belconnen-Airport axis. Understandably the benefits have had to be outweighed by southern Canberrans not getting the obvious funding and transport advantage. The sooner the planning approval happens to cross the Lake, and towards Woden, the better. I’m still puzzled about Walter Griffin wanting trams and the heritage problems of having light rail, but I guess these things have layers.

At least 2A will connect Civic strongly to Commonwealth Park and a developed basin, and give city visitors access to the natural amenity and views of the Brindabellas.