06 : Interim : Statement

GROUP STATEMENT:

Our group has proposed to convert every state in Australia into a separate country with its own parliamentary system. This will allow each country to be more self sufficient and sustainable, and possibly reduce migration and travelling around such a mass area. Canberra will ultimately act as a ‘union’ and meeting place for all of these countries to gather and discuss common issues, which is why improving mobility within Canberra is essential for the future.

Canberra is very spread out with the only form of public transport being buses, and a main focus on walking and cycling. It is near impossible however for everyone to be able to access all areas of the capital both easily and cheaply. This affects everyone from tourists holidaying in the city, people living in the area, children visiting the capital for school camps, and politicians staying in the city whilst using Parliament House on a regular basis.

So, we have devised a new light rail network that connects all major areas in the city to enhance mobility within Canberra. This will in turn attract people to the capital and allow Canberra to appeal to a wider demographic of people.  The proposed network will create an additional layer on top of the current infrastructure, with the majority of rail elevated above median strips of main roads within Canberra. Links to the existing airport and country rail will be designed to allow people coming in and out of Canberra easy access to the centre of the city and Parliament house. All main tourist attractions are connected for visitors, and routes that join surrounding suburbs with the centre are implemented for residents. There are also proposed stations at common school camp accommodation and local politician lodges within the city that connects to Capital Hill. The Parliament house station has been strategically placed to not interfere with the precinct, and all stations across the area are positioned to avoid the blocking of views to Capital Hill. Improved scale and proportion within large streets and unused spaces across the city is also a main strategy, with the possibility left open to create urban spaces on the elevated rail for future densification.

Overall the proposal will promote and cater for future population growth within Canberra through creating an area that is both mobile and accessible and provide a common ground for every politician representing each country.