Media Statement

Paul Bruce | Councillor
Greater Wellington Regional Council -
Te Pane Matua Taiao

Greater Wellington region's future compromised by Otaki to Airport RoNs
Regional Councillor Paul Bruce said that he was disappointed that Greater Wellington Regional Council transport planning still included the Otaki to Airport RoNs roading scheme. The new road, costing upward of $2.6 billion dollars, was sucking money away from other Greater Wellington transport projects such as a high capacity light rail service for the inner city. The Spine study, and the Wellington Bus Review taking place at the present, had no allocated budget for improvements and upgrades. Cr Bruce said that public transport, the construction of safe cycle paths and car share provided considerable economic savings to society and to individuals. On the other hand, new roads are costly to construct and maintain, and are difficult to justify in a time of decreasing resources and record levels of obesity.

Councillor Bruce said that he was pleased to support many other projects that will enhance services and the resilience of the Region, such as integrated ticketing and improvement of our river and stream quality. He also applauded Greater Wellington's approach to other councils in whose districts it has premises to see if it can explore co-location, which will improve collaboration between Councils and create savings.

To contribute to GW discussion forums or send an online submission,visit GW's website www.gw.govt.nz/have-your-say. The Spine study can be found at http://www.gw.govt.nz/ptspinestudy/ and the Wellington Bus Review at http://www.gwgovt.nz/wellington-city-bus-review-2/

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