News Release
 
29 April 2013
 
Mayor Welcomes Discussion On Transport Funding

 
Mayor Len Brown has welcomed a discussion document from the Consensus Building Group on funding Auckland's transport future.
 
The report is the result of six months work by 17 of Auckland's most influential community and business stakeholders. It sets out two broad options for meeting a future shortfall in transport funding.
 
"Everyone agrees we need to make improvements to Auckland's transport infrastructure. But we also need to agree the fairest and most effective way to pay for those improvements,” says Len Brown.
 
"As Aucklanders, we face a major challenge over the next decade and beyond. Our population is projected to grow by as much as 1 million, with around 60 per cent of that coming from our existing populace.
 
"The Consensus Building Group was set up to provide us with the best possible independent advice on how we can respond to this challenge. Their report is an important next step in the discussion about how to fund improvements to Auckland's transport infrastructure.
 
"While we are doing major work now to improve road, rail, bus and cycle networks, we will need to find an additional $400 million a year from 2016 to fund all of the improvements set out in the Auckland Plan. Without these investments - in road, rail and cycle option - Auckland is likely to face crippling traffic congestion in less than a decade.
 
"Auckland generates 38 per cent of national GDP, and nearly half of all exports and imports pass through our region. Clearly, big increases in traffic congestion would be a drag on New Zealand, as well as Auckland's, economic growth.
 
"There is a strong case for government to make a significant contribution to the shortfall. But it is not realistic to expect that government will meet all of the shortfall.
 
"I would encourage Aucklanders to look at the report and have their say as part of the consultation process. We all have a stake in Auckland's future, and our ability to move freely and easily around the city is clearly an issue that touches the lives of all Aucklanders."
 
The Group is expected to make recommendations to Auckland Council following the consultation. This will be followed by detailed analysis of the options by Council.

Ends
 

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