19 August 2025
Light Rail Stage 2B to Woden - Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the ACT Government
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Light Rail Stage 2B has been issued by the ACT Government. This is now on public exhibition and invites submissions from the public. Submissions are due by 5 September 2025.
There are several ways by which a submission can be made (see below).
You can view the Draft EIS online at Stage 2B EIS | Canberra Light Rail Stage 2B | ACT Government. Hard copies can be viewed at the Woden Library.
What is the EIS? The ACT Government has decided it wants to construct Light Rail Stage 2B to Woden. This EIS catalogues and assesses the environmental impacts of the project. In the case of significant impacts, the ACT Government has proposed mitigation strategies.
What the EIS is not. The EIS does not test the overall merit or the cost of the project; it does not investigate alternative modes of transport. The only “alternative” considered in the EIS is a variation to the defined route through Barton /Parliamentary Triangle. The EIS also does not guarantee that the ACT Government will include the mitigation measures if the project proceeds.
The EIS is primarily designed to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth EPBC (Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Act. The proposed project is large and very complex, so this EIS is also a complex and detailed document. The environmental impacts have been identified and assessed by a large team of well-credentialled people appointed/paid by the ACT Government. There are a number of comments made throughout the document, such as on electric buses, which have been made without investigation or justification.
The EIS has outlined some significant issues, not only for Yarralumla as a suburb, but also with broader impacts for commuter travel to the City (such as reducing the number of road lanes/more traffic lights) and significant changes to the roundabout at Woden (along with the installation of yet more traffic lights). The construction and operation of Light Rail will severely impact the two main road entrances into Yarralumla (Hopetoun Circuit and Novar Street). Some 95% of traffic into Yarralumla come through these intersections.
The EIS focuses only on the Light Rail project and does not address other planned projects that will be impacted, such as the “Mint Interchange” long proposed at the intersection of Yarra Glen and Cotter Road, or even the planned new suburb of North Curtin. Ignoring the Mint Interchange may mean the interchange will be impossible to create in the future, thus severely impacting future transport planning/access to Molonglo and Yarralumla.
Yarralumla specific issues (see Inner South Chapter 16) - EIS Documents - Chapter 16 | Canberra Light Rail Stage 2B | ACT Government
Traction Power Station
The ACT Government has indicated that a rather large Traction Power Substation is proposed to be in the park off Gunn, Newman and Guilfoyle Streets (see Section 8.12, Figure 8-18 of Appendix 1 – Public Master Plan). The impact on endangered endemic birdlife and wildlife, and on nearby residences, cannot be understated. The YRA have been advised that the substation must be located within 1km of the commencement of the overhead electrical supply lines (being the stop at Hopetoun Circuit). There are several alternative locations that meet this criterion and that should be considered. In particular, there are open areas either side of Adelaide Avenue/Yarra Glen, west of Kent St bridge and near the proposed rail line, which should be considered. These alternative locations would provide much lower impact on native species and resident communities. Significant power will need to be trenched to this power station.
Overhead Wires
While the light rail will run without overhead wires through the Parliamentary Triangle, the ACT Government proposes that overhead wires will start on Adelaide Avenue, from Hopetoun Circuit out to Woden. These overhead wires will still be within sight of the Parliament House and will also have a visual impact on nearby Yarralumla residences/embassies. The EIS does not address future technology improvements that could eliminate these overhead wires.
Hopetoun Circuit and Novar Street Intersections
There will be significant impact of Light Rail at both these intersections. Substantial traffic delays can be expected, during both construction and operation of the Light Rail. Parking and drop off at both these proposed stations have been largely ignored.
Submissions
Your YRA may be preparing a submission on the EIS, including on the Gunn Park proposed traction power station, but this would be only viewed as one submission on the EIS. The YRA suggest, to make a much greater impact, that you should prepare your own personal submission as well. It does not need to be detailed or voluminous. It does however need to address your views about issues set out in the ACT Government’s EIS.
Submissions can be made:
- Online atplanning.act.gov.auand search ‘light rail EIS”
- Email toACEPDcustomerservices@act.gov.au
- Mail toLand, Planning and Building Services – GPO Box158, Canberra ACT, 2601
- By handat Access Canberra Land, Planning & Building Services Shopfront, at 8 Darling St, Mitchell ACT 2911.
The ACT Government has prepared a brochure “Environmental Impact Submissions Guide”. This is available at Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Submissions Guide.
Don’t forget, submissions need to be in by 5 September 2025. If you are making a submission, please copy it into your YRA at info@yarralumlaresidents.org.au
