Youth Join Locals in Opposing Kapiti Expressway

Saturday, 4 May 2013, 11:37 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Youth Join Locals in Opposing Kapiti Expressway

Generation Zero says that a recently lodged appeal against the Kapiti Expressway gives the country crucial breathing space to have a national conversation about whether to proceed with the $630 million motorway.

On Friday, locals from Save Kapiti appealed against the Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to consent the expressway, which forms part of the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme.

Generation Zero, which represents over 3,000 young people throughout New Zealand, says that the Kapiti Expressway is a poor investment in young people’s future. Generation Zero is calling on the Government to redirect funds to popular projects like the Auckland City Rail link and the cycle networks planned for Dunedin and Christchurch.

Chambers: “This appeal puts a spotlight on the path we are heading down. To fund its $12 billion motorway-building obsession, the Government is raising fuel taxes and amending the Land Transport Management Act to allow the New Zealand Transport Agency unlimited borrowing capacity with only a signoff from the Finance Minister required.”

“At a time when other countries are investing heavily in low-carbon infrastructure and oil prices are forecast to keep rising, the Government pouring so much of our money into new motorways with terrible economic cases is outrageous.”

The Government is refusing to fund popular projects like Auckland City Rail Link, and the National Land Transport Programme 2012-15 shows that for every dollar spent on new state highways, just 5 cents will be invested in new infrastructure for rail, buses, walking and cycling.

Chambers: “The Government is failing to look out for young people. They’re raising debt to fund roads we don’t want, and refusing to invest in the low-carbon future we need.”

“This appeal is a chance for the country to stop and reconsider, before it’s too late.”

ENDS

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