29 August 2006

Government’s increased urgency for motorway network completion “strongly welcomed”

The confirmation of a firm, funded 6-year State Highway construction programme unveiled today is a greatly welcomed indication of Government’s commitment to faster completion of the Auckland motorway network, Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett said today.

“The region can reciprocate this urgency by ensuring that Transit New Zealand and regional and local government ‘players’ are all working together to expedite the key projects in the fastest possible time frame.”

There are some major projects under Notice for joint hearings in the next few weeks involving Auckland Regional Council and local councils, especially Auckland City and Manukau City as well as other parties.

“The clear signal from Ministers Michael Cullen and Annette King today that Government wants to reinforce recent decisions providing greater certainty in the transport sector sends a strong message to Auckland decision makers to also play a part in enabling these important economic projects with speed and urgency,” concluded Mr Barnett.

ENDS

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