<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The ACT government has opened a shopfront in Canberraâs CBD to sell the idea of the cityâs proposed light rail network to the public. </span> <p>Located near the city’s major bus interchange, the shopfront is angled at consulting with the public on the proposed network, which would include between 13 and 15 stops on a line between Civic and Gungahlin, for a cost of around $614m.</p><p>Early designs for the 12km rail project are available for comment, as part of a community engagement project expected to run for about six weeks.</p><p>“This is the first opportunity for the community to see what light rail in Canberra might look like and I would encourage everyone to visit the pop-up shop, look at the proposed design and provide feedback,” state minister for the environment and sustainable development Simon Corbell said.</p><p>“As this is an early design, no decisions have been made on the final product, so this is the most opportune time to influence the end design.”</p><p>The ACT government says the design proposal has been created based on in-depth planning and builds on previous community feedback. As well as the pop-up shop, information sessions will also be held in Gungahlin and Dickson shopping centres at various times through July and August.</p><p>“The feedback provided during the consultation will feed into next stages of design that will provide the basis for expressions of interest later this year,” Corbell said.</p><p>“It is vital the community take the opportunity to provide their feedback on how they would like the system to look and operate.</p><p>“Light Rail will deliver so much more than a transport benefit for Canberra and this is why the ACT government has been so intent on planning for the future and is committed to delivering city-changing infrastructure. We look forward to hearing what the community has to say about these designs.”</p><p>All information regarding the design proposal, information sessions and the opening hours of the pop-up shop is available at the Capital Metro website (<a href="http://www.capitalmetro.act.gov.au/">http://www.capitalmetro.act.gov.au/</a>). Regular updates will also be provided to the community through other social media, like Facebook and Twitter, the minister added.</p>
