Introduction

The ACT Government is building light rail to Woden, starting with Stage 2A - the extension of light rail from the City to Commonwealth Park.

Major Projects Canberra (MPC) is responsible for delivering this next stage of light rail and is establishing Community Reference Groups (CRGs) for community members and special interest group representatives to have a say in the in the project.The reference groups will provide a conduit to the community to ensure there is a voice in the planning and development of these next stages, and a formal mechanism for the community to provide comments and feedback.

The groups are being established as consultative groups with members having an interest in various area of the project.We have also considered community members living and working in close proximity to the new alignment.

Objectives

The objectives of the Community Reference Groups are to provide a forum through which:

  • The needs of all businesses and residents along the alignment are represented in the development of the project.
  • The interest of the general community is represented in the development of the project.
  • Dialogue between Major Projects Canberra, its contractors and the community is encouraged and supported.

Membership

  • Special Interest Reference Groups will draw members from local associations, industry groups, business owners, the local community and community groups.
  • All members are able to provide a conduit of project information for their local community, association or group.
  • All members must be available to attend meetings, primarily to provide feedback and suggestions, but to also learn more about the project for dissemination.
  • All members must agree to the Terms of Reference

Role of the community reference group

The role of the Group is to represent the community and act as a sounding board during the planning, construction and delivery phases of the project.

Group members will be encouraged to seek feedback and queries from the community to share in the meetings. Where possible, questions will be answered in the meetings and feedback will be recorded to help identify potential issues.

Functions of the group include:

  • Providing feedback on topics raised
  • Raising concerns
  • Indicating preferences
  • Sharing information with other community members
  • Reviewing processes and outcomes where appropriate

Operation

The Community Reference Group will operate in the following way:

  • The Chair will be a representative of Major Projects Canberra.
  • Major Projects Canberra will provide a secretariat.
  • Alternate delegates are permissible, but attendance should be notified in advance to Major Projects Canberra or to the Chair.
  • Additional delegates may be invited, as necessary, at the discretion of Major Projects Canberra or the Chair.
  • Where a response cannot be given at the meeting, questions will be taken on notice and a reply provided subsequent to the session.
  • No member shall make public statements purporting to represent the views of the Group.
  • The Group will make recommendations to the project team on various topics of interest.
  • Out of session enquires can be directed to Major Projects Canberra as the secretariat of the groups.
  • It is intended that the Group will transition during the project’s construction phase, with the main contractor facilitating subsequent and ongoing meetings.

Meetings

  • Meetings will be held monthly initially, then as required, at a minimum quarterly, depending on the milestones of the project and requirements of the group.
  • Agendas will be issued one week before each meeting.
  • Minutes will be circulated within one week of each meeting.
  • All recommendations will be communicated to the Project Director and team as appropriate.

Code of Conduct

Members agree to the following standards of behaviour and rules:

  • Respect other members’ views and opinions.
  • Respect any and all confidentiality requirements.
  • Advise the Chairperson if unable to attend meetings.
  • Be open and honest in all business relating to the Community Reference Group.
  • Discuss only relevant issues, no political and vested interests.
  • Be constructive in suggestions and consider how to improve the outcome.