24 October 2012

Group to bring consensus on transport funding

A decision on finding alternative ways to fund Auckland’s transport infrastructure took a step forward yesterday as the newly appointed members of Auckland Council’s Consensus Building Group (CBG) met for the first time.

Members of the CBG represent the views of a wide range of Aucklanders and are responsible for coming to an agreed position on their preferred tools for funding Auckland’s transport infrastructure over the next 30 years.

The group will act as the key advisor on the Alternative Transport Funding Project (ATFP) led by Auckland Council at the direction of Mayor Len Brown.

Discussions from the opening day saw members considering the sheer scope and scale of the challenges facing Auckland.

“It is clear from the outset that Aucklanders are not fully aware of just how large our transport challenge is,” says Stewart Milne, Chair of the Consensus Building Group.

“Our city is growing fast. Over the next 30 years our population growth alone will be larger than the total population of any other New Zealand city.

“The advice this group provides will be critical to our city’s future – the combined minds around this table give Auckland the best possible chance of finding ways to fund critical transport infrastructure that is timely and equitable.”

The CBG met again today before reconvening on 13 November 2012 to begin work on scoping alternative revenue tools. The first update from the CBG is scheduled for Auckland Council’s Governing Body on 20 December 2012 with a final report planned for June 2013.

Those members in attendance at the inaugural meeting were:

Stewart Milne – Chair
Steven Grant – Automobile Association
Simon Lambourne – Automobile Association
Tony Garnier – Auckland Business Forum
Kim Campbell – EMA (Northern) representing Auckland Business Forum
Stephen Selwood – New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development
James Brown – Tournament Parking Ltd
Paul Shortland – Cycle Action Auckland
Andy Smith – Walk Auckland
Cameron Pitches – Campaign for Better Transport
Gary Taylor – Environmental Defence Society
Donna Wynd – Child Poverty Action Group
Robert Reid – First Union representing New Zealand Council for Trade Unions

ENDS

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