Even the ACT govt questioned whether light rail would start on time

Under-Treasurer's Goal David Nicol told the annual reports on Monday the government had been unaware of the delay in the program until recently.

"I have to take the exact timing of the sequence of events. It was only recently that the contractor said that it would be more effective than that, but that it was going to be done, "Mr Nicol said.

How was it that you knew only about the project was running late? Did not the milestones have not been very active? "ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe asked.

"The contractor maintained a start date, we had been asking questions about the contractor," he said, "and it's only possible that the contractor has revised that date," Mr Nicol said.

A spokeswoman for Ms Fitzharris said the government was told about the delay at the end of October, but did not provide a date.

Mr Coe then reported that there were some differences in the scope of the project.

"That will depend on how they're resolved but there could be some money involved, yes," Mr Nicol said.

According to the contract with Capital Metro, a territory-accepted risk contingency of $ 117 million is built into the $ 707 million set aside for the design and construction of light rail.

A government spokeswoman last month told The Canberra Times Canberra Metro.

"Canberra Metro has done so much," she said.

Mr Nicol said to have already approved, such as changes to the design of the stops.

"Not a significant number but a number," Mr. Nicol said.

Ms Fitzharris' spokeswoman said compared to similar projects in other jurisdictions, the ACT government had been "especially disciplined" in minimizing the number of project minimisations along the way.

"As expected, however, there have been some modifications agreed to date, of which they have had both positive and negative values. she said.

"Hibberson Street, $ 707m project cost." "For example, the ACT government issued an amendment to include additional smoke detection systems in the light rail and other to enhance street lighting.

The spokeswoman confirmed other variations were still being negotiated, were not expected to blow out the budget.

"This is fully expected given the nature and complexity of the project." "These are all kinds of issues, including Northbourne Plaza and contract interpretation.

"The ACT Government and Canberra Metro maintain a very constructive working relationship and we are not anticipating those discussions will be prolonged."