Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Manukau Rail Link to Cost $70 million
Friday, 28 April 2006
Manukau Rail Link to Cost $70 million
A recommendation to drop any reference to the Manukau Rail Link in Manukau City Council's submission to the Auckland Regional Council Draft Long Term Community Plan by Cr Dick Quax was defeated at last night's Council meeting.
In replying to a question put by Cr Quax, Council officials acknowledged that the 1.8 kilometre rail link from Wiri to Manukau will cost $70 million.
This is up $30 million from the original cost put up in 2000.
"It's irresponsible for the Council to even consider this scheme". It would not measure up to any cost benefit analysis."
Cr Quax said that the chairman of the ARC Mike Lee has correctly pointed out there is no business plan for the rail spur.
ARC Transport Committee chair, Joel Cayford has suggested that a bus service linking Wiri with Manukau and on out to Botany is a better and cheaper option.
Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis claims that the link is an integral part of the rail system.
Cr Quax accuses the mayor, of "empire building" and lacking judgement on the issue.
"For a man who promotes public transport it's absurd that he uses his chauffeur driven limousine to drive 200 metres from the Civic Centre across the street to the site of the new Manukau Police Station and back."
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
Koi Tu - The Centre for Informed Futures: If Not Journalists, Then Who?
FIRST Union: May Day, The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
