Backing businesses during Light Rail Stage 2A
The ACT Government has a targeted business support package to assist local businesses impacted by construction works for the Light Rail to Woden project in and around London Circuit.
The package includes practical and financial support informed by business feedback and designed to help during the disruption, with a focus on easing cost pressures and encouraging visitors to the area.
The support recognises the real challenges facing businesses as the city delivers a once-in-a-generation infrastructure upgrade.
The business support measures include:
Free parking
Effective immediately, free parking Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm, at nearby public car parks:
- City Hill Car Park (Section 116)
- Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park (City southeast)
- Note: The existing parking hours at Hobart Place are already aligned with these times
Outdoor dining permit fee waivers
Outdoor dining permit fee waivers for businesses directly impacted by construction activities.
Expanded liquor fee reductions
From 1 July expanded liquor licence fee reductions will be available to eligible ACT hospitality businesses up to a 350-person capacity, building on significant reductions introduced in 2024.
- An automatic 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to cafes, restaurants and general licences up to 150-person capacity. This in addition to the existing 50% fee reduction for cafes and restaurants up to 80-person capacity and the existing 80% reduction for general licence holders up to 20 person capacity.
- A 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to venues showcasing artists between 151 to 350-person capacity, available upon application, in addition to the existing fee reduction of 80% for venues up to 150-person capacity.
Improving safety during construction
New CCTV cameras will be installed and upgraded around London Circuit. This supports safety during night-time trading, ensuring those who visit London Circuit and the City Centre area feel safe as they enjoy the local restaurants and businesses.
Spotlighting businesses
A 12-month advertising campaign was launched in September 2025 to remind Canberrans that despite road changes and disruptive construction, London Circuit is very much open for business.
The campaign aims to attract customers to the area, reminding them of the high-quality venues and retailers in the city – and that they remain open for business.
Business Capability Building Program
A free Business Capability Building Program will deliver business advice, information, referrals and education across all industry sectors.
This includes the day-to-day operations of businesses, financial, marketing and legal referrals and mental health and wellbeing support.
Businesses within approximately 100 metres of the 2A light rail alignment can book in and access four hours of free general business advice tailored to specific needs.
Supporting travel options for getting to work
The ACT Government has a workplace travel plan toolkit, supported by a dedicated staff member, to help businesses plan, promote and adopt workplace travel options for staff.
An easy to use employee survey can help inform your business on how staff are currently travelling to work and what other options could be promoted such as carpooling, public transport, cycling or another form of sustainable transport.
To get in touch with the ACT Government’s dedicated workplace travel coordinator please email TCCS.workplacetravel@act.gov.au
Transport Canberra has free public transport every Friday on buses and light rail.
There are also 22 Park and Ride locations across Canberra where people can park for free every day and connect with public transport.
Contact:
For more information on these support measures please contact lightrailtowoden@act.gov.au
Business Partnership Plan
Alongside business support initiatives announced in May 2025, Infrastructure Canberra has a Business Partnership Plan for Light Rail Stage 2A. The plan includes ongoing initiatives to support business during construction.
The Business Relationship Manager is the central point of contact for business needs. They can:
- pass on feedback to the project team
- help answer questions on the project
- receive complaints or compliments.
They will proactively reach out to businesses during the construction phase. This will ensure businesses have all the information they need on the project.
Construction works in the city will be ongoing for the upcoming years. Businesses receive regular construction updates, “look-aheads” and notifications. This will inform them on the progress of the project.
To stay informed on construction activity in the project work zone, please sign up for construction notifications.
The Business Relationship Manager can work with businesses to help them communicate access changes with their clients, staff, and suppliers. They can also help facilitate deliveries from suppliers.
The Business Relationship Manager will work with businesses to
- ensure they remain visible during construction
- develop signage to provide clear and safe direction for customers, staff, and the community.
Connect with our Team
Infrastructure Canberra will work with local businesses to develop more support measures during the construction of Stage 2A. Business can provide feedback and suggestions to a Business Relationship Manager or by emailing lightrailtowoden@act.gov.au.
Resources for Businesses
Parking wayfinding map for city businesses:
For more resources and support on how to start, run and grow a business, visit www.act.gov.au/business.
Subscribe for updates
Sign up for Construction Look-aheads, Project Updates and Travel Impacts.
Subscribe to the CBR Business Update e-news.