In the wake of Labor's shock loss, Mr Barr suggested a realistic timeframe for light rail to start running to Woden was now 2025, as the territory government was now without the $200 million promised by their federal counterparts and their implicit support.

Former Chief Minister Jon Stanhope called the delay the "single-most significant broken election promise since self-government 30 years ago", as the 2016 ACT election was fought and won on light rail.

But new Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino has indicated that she is open to working with the territory government on the project.

"I look forward to seeing a light rail stage two outcome that is consistent with the National Capital Plan and safeguards the values of the national capital for the people of Australia," Ms Marino said.

"If and when the project progresses it will be the greatest change to the Parliamentary Zone since the construction of new Parliament House.

"I have a real interest in new transport technologies that will reduce our ecological footprint and limit the impact of congestion we have seen in other cities and continue to support the smooth functioning of the business of government.

"As the new Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, I look forward to working with the ACT government and the National Capital Authority to build a nation's capital that all Australians can be proud of."

Ms Marino also dismissed the idea the project approvals would have a tougher time under the Coalition.

"I understand that for light rail stage two to be approved, it is required to go through a Works Approval process with the National Capital Authority, referral and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and a parliamentary approvals process," she said.

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"As these are all statutory processes, they are required for this project regardless of whether a Coalition or Labor Government is in power."

Asked if he stood by his earlier comments, Mr Barr said: "The project won't be delayed but it won't be fast tracked either."

"That is the implication of federal election result. Federal Labor's support would have enabled an earlier delivery because it was identified as an infrastructure priority and would have been prioritised through the parliamentary process," Mr Barr said.

"The $200 million funding commitment also would have assisted in delivering the project more quickly."

Mr Barr also said Ms Marino's "support in 'clearing the hurdles' and not imposing unnecessary red tape will be important to the timely and cost effective delivery of the project".

Meanwhile property groups say the faster the second stage of the project moves, the better.

Adina Cirson, executive director of the ACT Property Council, said she could not see see any reason why it would take six years to get the project approved and operational.

"There has to be a genuine commitment from all parties to get this project delivered as soon as possible, The time for a discussion on whether light rail is coming to this city is over - the most important thing now is that the next stage of the network is delivered," Ms Cirson said.

"Stage one has proven to be highly popular, lots of renewal and exciting development is underway in Woden that has come off the back of the commitment to go to Woden and create a true north-south spine through the city.

"The Property Council is urging both levels of government to work closely together to get this project underway."

However residents groups are hoping the delay will give the government the chance to plan for urban infill in the region.

"We would say with all these thousands of apartments being approved in Woden that delay for light rail provides time for planning for the precinct, including schools, health facilities, traffic flows and social infrastructure," president of the Woden Valley Community Council Fiona Carrick said.

"We've always said we welcome development, we just want it to be done well. There is a time to plan the precinct so that it has all the elements necessary for a liveable district.

"If money is available in the budget for light rail but it's not going to be spent on light rail, we'd like it to be invested in social infrastructure like an arts centre, a multi-purpose sports hall and higher education."

Ms Carrick said the former Canberra Institute of Technology site presented a great opportunity for Woden that would be "diminished" if it was sold off for more housing.

"We would say that site is really significant, we've gt thousands of apartments going in already, we don't want to lose the opportunity that site gives opposite the biggest hospital in south-east NSW," Ms Carrick said.

Developer Geocon has 1230 apartments coming online through two major developments in Woden, however director for planning and development, Dan Stewart said the delayed completion date would only be a "minor setback".

"The date for light rail to arrive in Woden has never been set in stone. What we do know is that the ACT government has committed to stage two and it's in their own best interest to see this project through," Mr Stewart said.

"Interest has never been stronger for apartment living in Woden and there are no plans to delay any of our future releases there."