Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, will meet with experts in zero emissions transport, recycling, urban forestry and transit-oriented development in the United States of America this week, to get a better understanding of how the ACT can move towards a more sustainable public transport network.
As the ACT Government embarks on a $3 billion infrastructure plan, including the next stage of light rail linking the City to Woden, understanding how world leading cities are investing in major infrastructure projects, delivering emissions free public transport, diverting waste from landfill and caring for their urban forests will help inform the implementation of these projects in the ACT.
The visit will provide insights to support work already underway in the ACT Government to achieve our legislated emissions reduction targets, major investment in public transport infrastructure – including the procurement of a new bus fleet, and in delivering an urban forest strategy.
The delegation will visit:
- San Francisco – America's leading city for waste diversion and with a public transport network operating hydrogen buses
- Sacramento – Managing a successful urban forestry program and investing in zero emissions infrastructure
- Denver – Site of major urban renewal associated with transport investment and a Welcoming City
- Seattle – Undertaking major investments in public transport infrastructure including light rail
- Portland – World leading light rail aligned urban renewal and home to an extensive urban forestry program
San Francisco, Denver and Portland are identified as key locations in the Canberra's International Engagement Strategy.
The cost of the Minister's delegation is approximately $29,000. This is met from the ACT Executive 2018-19 budget. The final cost will be released as part of the regular travel reports.
