Category: MIL-OSI

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Released 12/05/2025 – Joint media release

The ACT Government has today announced a targeted business support package to assist local businesses impacted by construction works for the Light Rail to Commonwealth project in and around London Circuit.

The package includes practical and financial support informed by what we’ve heard from the businesses and designed to help during the disruption, with a focus on easing cost pressures and encouraging visitation to the area.

Minister for Transport Chris Steel said the support recognises the real challenges facing businesses as the city delivers a once-in-a-generation infrastructure upgrade.

“Light Rail is transforming our CBD as a vibrant and well-connected place to do business. However, we know that with construction of this part of the line there is an impact on nearby business particularly hospitality businesses,” Minister Steel said.

“This package builds on the business partnership plan we have already put in place to support businesses during the construction.

“The best thing that Canberrans can do right now to support businesses in the city is to get out and visit them. The businesses are open and we are encouraging Canberrans to support them through the measures announced today.”

Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures include:

• Effective immediately, free parking Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm, at nearby public car parks:
  • Theatre Lane Car Park (opposite Sydney Building)
  • City Hill Car Park (Section 116)
  • Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park (City southeast)
  • Note: The existing parking hours at Hobart Place are already aligned with these times
• Outdoor dining permit fee waivers from 1 July 2025 for businesses directly impacted by construction activities
• New CCTV cameras to be installed and upgraded around London Circuit to support safety during night-time trading
• A campaign launching mid-year to promote that London Circuit is open for business, spotlighting local venues and retailers
• Delivering place making improvements including additional lighting delivered by the City Renewal Authority
• Business Capability Building Program offering free tailored advice

This targeted package will be supported from 1 July by expanded liquor licence fee reductions available to all ACT hospitality businesses up to a 350-person capacity, building on significant reductions introduced in 2024 and delivering on ACT Labor’s commitment to the night-time economy.

An automatic 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to cafes, restaurants and general licences up to 150-person capacity, previously the 50% discount was only applicable to cafes and restaurants up to 80-person capacity.

A 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to venues showcasing artists between 151 to 350-person capacity, available upon application, in addition to the existing fee reduction of 80% for venues up to 150-person capacity.

Minister for Night-Time Economy Tara Cheyne said supporting the city’s entertainment and hospitality sector is a key focus of the package.

“Canberra’s city centre is home to some of our most loved bars, restaurants, and performance venues,” Minister Cheyne said.

“By providing fee relief, enhancing public safety, and backing local activations, we’re helping ensure these businesses remain destinations of choice, even during construction.”

“These initiatives are designed to encourage locals and visitors alike, to support our incredible hospitality sector. For these businesses, there is no substitute for patronage. I encourage Canberrans to get out across the city to explore and enjoy your favourite bars, restaurants and shops.”

Minister for Business Michael Pettersson said the package was developed in consultation with traders and industry representatives.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of local business owners and tailored this package to respond to what they need most,” Minister Pettersson said.

“This is a practical response designed to ease pressure and maintain confidence in the city centre during construction.”

Business owners in the London Circuit area will be contacted directly with further information on how to access support, and the Government will continue engaging with stakeholders as the project progresses.

Visit the Light Rail to Woden website for more information.

– Statement ends –

Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Released 12/05/2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to road safety, the ACT Government has announced the installation of a new signalised midblock pedestrian crossing on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent. The crossing will improve safety for students from St Edmund’s and St Clare’s Colleges, supporting safer commutes to and from school.

Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the decision to install the crossing reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable road users, particularly young people.

“This crossing will make a real difference for students who cross this busy road every day. Their safety is our priority, and we’re acting to ensure they can travel to and from school with greater confidence,” Minister Cheyne said.

“The ACT Government will fast-track design of the crossing to support seeking approvals and enable construction. More information will be provided to the local school community on timing in the next couple of months.”

Minister for Education Yvette Berry welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of a safe and supportive environment for students beyond the school gate.

“Students should be able to get to and from school safely, no matter how they travel. This new crossing will provide the school communities greater peace of mind and help support student wellbeing,” Minister Berry said.

The announcement coincides with National Road Safety Week 2025, a time to reflect on the impact of road trauma and the collective responsibility to keep our roads safe.

“In 2024, eleven people tragically lost their lives on ACT roads, and already this year, we have lost three more. And I know that the incident in late March outside St Eddies has had and will continue to have a profound impact on this tight-knit community,” Minister Cheyne said. “Every death or injury is a devastating reminder that road trauma has lasting impacts on families, friends, and the wider community. These are not just statistics – they are lives lost too soon, and futures cut short or dramatically altered.”

“National Road Safety Week is a time to come together with other jurisdictions and shine a light on the importance of safe driving behaviours. We must all remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and every action we take behind the wheel matters.”

The ACT Government remains committed to Vision Zero, a future where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“When we drive, we’re not just responsible for ourselves, we’re responsible for everyone around us. Vision Zero means choosing to slow down, staying alert, and driving to the conditions. Even one death on our roads is one too many.”

“The ACT Government, alongside ACT Policing, continues to deliver education and enforcement campaigns to change attitudes and behaviours on our roads. Road safety doesn’t begin and end with Road Safety Week – it is an everyday priority.”

“Every crash carries a cost – emotionally, economically, and socially. We must never accept road trauma as an unavoidable part of transport. Every life lost is preventable, and every life matters.”

During National Road Safety Week, the ACT Government urges all Canberrans to take the pledge to drive so others survive.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

The new pavilion features changerooms, first aid rooms, activity rooms, an umpire’s room, universal access toilets and showers, kitchens, kiosks and storage.

Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said this development marks a significant investment for our northern corridor.

“We are thrilled to see the completion of this fantastic new sports amenities building. Heath Park is already proving to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members in our growing suburb of Eglinton,” he said.

“This facility ensures local sporting activities can run smoothly, supporting players, club personnel, volunteers and spectators.

In addition to high-quality sporting infrastructure, the pavilion is an ideal venue for community groups to host meetings, workshops and celebrations. It’s more than just a place to play sport – it’s a space that brings people together.

“This investment reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the social and physical wellbeing of the community. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space for many years to come.”

The City is grateful to have received funding contributions of $1.97 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $930,701 from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, including $710,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, as well as $220,701 under the Club Night Lights Program to support important floodlighting upgrades, which are currently underway.

State Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said sporting precincts form such an important part of our communities, particularly in our suburbs.

“Not only do they support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity, but they also bring people together and create a sense of community,” she said.

“This new precinct will help ensure more people in our northern suburbs are able to participate and engage in community sport, as well as use the space for gatherings, workshops and celebrations.”

Sadly, the driver and single occupant of the car, a 43-year-old man from Peterborough, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Major Crash investigators attended and examined the scene.

The roads have re-opened; however, some lane restrictions remain in place around the crash.

The man’s death is the 30th life lost on South Australian roads so far this year.