June 20, 2000
MEDIA STATEMENT

FUNDING SUPPORT BRINGS AUCKLAND
PUBLIC TRANSPORT A STEP CLOSER

Statement made by John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland

A world class public transport system for the Auckland region came a step closer today when Infrastructure Auckland adopted its annual and long term funding plans.

The plans call for the funding agency to invest $410 million over the next five years implementing a public transport system designed to encourage a movement away from using private cars.

For the past three weeks Infrastructure Auckland has been considering public submissions made to its draft plans, and at today’s board meeting formally approved spending $675 million over the next five years on public transport, improving the transport network and upgrading the region’s stormwater systems.

Less than 30 submissions were received on the draft plans, and that can be taken as a community vote of confidence in the programme directors are recommending.

The main change adopted in response to submissions makes it even clearer that Infrastructure Auckland will not fund projects that are the responsibility of any other funding agency. Applicants are required to endeavour to secure funding from all potential public and private sources before applying to Infrastructure Auckland.

The main beneficiary from the adopted plans will be public transport.

Combined with the recent breakthrough achieved in discussions in relation to use of the region’s rail corridors, the pieces of the jigsaw are now coming together rapidly.

For years there has been talk about the need for a convenient, efficient, integrated, regular and cost efficient public transport system.

While there is still an enormous amount of detailed work to be undertaken, a major barrier to making progress on public transport has been removed.

We are now counting down to a start date, rather than trying to reach broad agreement.

The $90 million set aside for roading will make a contribution to reducing congestion and transit times.

More than 40% of residents put congestion as the key issue facing the region.

The money set aside for the transport network will assist us to bring forward roading projects that have regional significance. It will also enable us to fund community benefits associated with roading that are not the responsibility of other agencies.

We regard ferries as an integral part of the future transport network.

A further $100 million has been allocated to support projects that will improve the quality of the region’s water. Infrastructure Auckland will look to relevant local bodies to contribute 50% of the funding for the stormwater projects it supports.

The funding allocations adopted by Infrastructure Auckland allows it to meet its commitment to projects without selling any of its shareholding in Ports of Auckland or the public losing access to its landholdings around the America’s Cup Village.

For further information please contact:

Richard Maher, Chief Executive Officer or
John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland
Telephone – (09) 379 2540

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