Thursday, 15 September 2005

Dunne: Transmission Gully key priority for United Future

United Future leader and Ohariu-Belmont MP Peter Dunne today voiced his strong support for the Transmission Gully Action Group.

"Having been practically a lone voice in Parliament in support of the Transmission Gully route for many years, it is great to see such a strong, grass roots campaign being organised," Mr Dunne said, after the group launched a high-profile advertising campaign this week.

"If United Future is in a position to help form the next government then I can promise you now that getting Transmission Gully built will be a key priority during coalition negotiations.

"Transit's proposed coastal alternative is, frankly, absurd.

"It would mean at least 24 more years of congestion and road works, ongoing harm to the communities at Paremata, Mana, Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay, the destruction of the Ngati Toa Domain, not to mention large chunks of beautiful coastline.

"Factor all that in and add to it Wellington's ongoing dependence on one extremely vulnerable access route and frankly it's not a valid alternative - it is little short of sheer stupidity," he said.

"Transmission Gully is the answer to all of that and this campaign by the Transmission Gully Action Group is a very good move and I'm sure it will draw huge support."

ENDS

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