Passenger Rail

Traditional ceremony for Canberra light rail

Canberra light rail. Graphic: ACT Government

Canberra’s ongoing 12 kilometre light rail development was recently the focus of a smoking ceremony by local Ngunnawal traditional custodians.

Held on Flemington Road near Exhibition Park in Canberra, the ceremony featured the lighting of native plants to emit smoke and a dance performance by local Ngunnawal group, The Wedge Tailed Eagles.

Meegan Fitzharris, minister for transport and city services, was pleased with the display of support for Canberra’s new light rail project.

“It was a wonderful occasion to witness Elder Uncle Carl Brown and daughter Tina Brown perform this significant ancient custom on a section of the light rail route,” the minister said.

“I would like to thank the team at Canberra Metro for liaising with the local Ngunnawal traditional custodians in arranging for this important tradition to take place today.”

Harris also commented on the progress of the development, stating that tree removal on Northbourne Avenue nears completion, and that tracks will begin being laid in the middle of 2017.

“The first light rail vehicles are also expected to arrive later this year and once spring and summer arrives, landscaping works are planned to commence with the planting of new Eucalyptus mannifera trees set to revitalise the Northbourne Avenue boulevard.”