The Auditor General’s performance audit report on the Capital Metro Agency ‘s light rail project in the ACT has found the project is successfully delivering on its aims.
The report is a result of an almost year-long audit of the Capital Metro Agency which found that the government was successfully delivering on its 2012 commitment to implement light rail between Gungahlin and City.
The report found that CMA’s “governance, administrative and project management framework is sound and generally accords with better practice”, which “positions the Capital Metro Agency to be able to meet the challenges of implementing light rail in the ACT”.
Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell welcomed the release of the report.
“This report shows that this crucial project for Canberra is being delivered in a thorough, professional and transparent manner that is best practice and positions the project for success,” Mr Corbell said.
“The Auditor General states in the report that Capital Metro has comprehensive governance framework, a well-defined and appropriate project board, a comprehensive project plan, thorough risk management policies and best practice stakeholder engagement.
“I am pleased that the Auditor General has also recognised the high level of transparency that has been applied to this project through the release of documents, like the Full Business Case, that the government had not been obligated to release.
“It is important to note that as contracts have been signed and financial close has now been reached that the final cost for stage one of light rail is now known and is lower than estimated in the Full Business Case.
“The Capital Metro Agency’s ability to deliver a better cost outcome is a testament to the rigorous and professional procurement process undertaken by the project team.”
The report makes four recommendations about development of a project controls procedure to assist in managing project activities, future external reviews, public reporting of the actual costs and the establishment of a whole-of-government benefits realisation plan to ensure the territory best achieves all of the financial, social and transport benefits identified in the business case.
“Stage one of our light rail network will deliver $1.2 in benefits for every dollar we spend on the project and ensuring that these benefits are realised is a priority for the government,” Mr Corbell said.
“The government will consider the report’s recommendations and will respond in the coming months.”
