Simon Corbell MLA DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER ATTORNEY-GENERAL MINISTER FOR HEALTH MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER FOR CAPITAL METRO MEMBER FOR MOLONGLO

MEDIA

RELEASE

CLEAN,, SUSTAINABLE LIGHT RAIL TO RUN ON 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY ENERG Stage one of Canberra’s light rail network will operate on 100% renewable energy, Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell announced today. “Capital Metro is about creating a more sustainable Canberra and we are making sure that environment and sustainability is at the heart of our approach for an integrated public transport network,” Mr Corbell said. “To ensure the best environmental ironmental outcomes are achieved as part of the project, the successful bidder will be required to source, at minimum, 10% 10 of the light rail system’s electricity usage from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. wind Combined with the ACT Government achieving hieving its target of 90% renewable energy by 2020 – the time in which stage one light rail will be up and running – this will enable the Capital Metro project to be 100% 100 green energy powered. “In addition to ensuring the system runs on 100% 100 renewable energy, rgy, the successful bidder will also need to have measures in place to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from construction activity. This would include avoiding and reducing emissions through energy efficient efficien construction practices as well as sourcing carbon offsets by investing in programs such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. “These two project requirementss demonstrate the ACT Government’s leadership in tackling the impacts of climate change through prioritisation of renewal energy, reducing the ACT’s carbon emissions and a strong commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.” Mr Corbell said the Capital Metro project would provide a significant opportunity for the territory to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. “As city our continues to grow, our dependence on the car is leading to increasing congestion, loss of productivity, reduced air quality and associated health impacts, noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. “Canberra Canberra has the highest car dependence of any major Australian city, with transport now being responsible for 25 percent of the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Light rail has the potential to greatly improve our city’s liveability and sustainability by getting people out of their cars and onto public transport. This will not only reduce our greenhouse gas emissions but also congestion and travel times.” Statement ends: 20 June 2015 Media contact: Andrew Benson (02) 6205 0434 (w) ( 0481 004 015 (m) [email protected]

ACT Legislative Assembly Phone: (02) 6205 0000 @SimonCorbell

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