More Dithering Over Waterview Connection

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today expressed disappointment and frustration over Deputy Prime Minister Dr Michael Cullen's announcement regarding the much-needed Waterview Connection - and predicted that Aucklanders would be kept waiting in their cars for years while the Government dithered over this much-needed project.

"Aucklanders were today hoping that Dr Cullen's announcement would contain confirmation that this project - which Auckland has been awaiting for eight years already - would be going ahead. They were sorely disappointed," Mr Hide said.

"Rather than announcing some kind of progress the Minister instead announced that his Government would be consulting, investigating and studying the feasibility of involving the private sector in the project.

"What this means for Aucklanders is another seven years of waiting - just as they are waiting for construction on the Newmarket Viaduct, which was supposed to begin before Christmas, and the Manukau Harbour Crossing.

"The upcoming Rugby World Cup is a major stage for New Zealand, and an important platform from which to promote the country throughout the world - dithering over major transport decisions like this simply shows that this Government is missing all the opportunities it gets," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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