Wednesday 21st Jul 1999

Rodney Hide

Media Release -- Governance & Constitution

ACT Epsom candidate Rodney Hide says the Auckland Councils are merely highlighting their stupidity and lack of accountablity by even considering Tranzrail's 200 million grab from the infrastructure fund.

Rodney Hide said today Auckland Councils' failure to address public transport has left Aucklanders wasting their lives in traffic jams.

"Auckland is facing gridlock unless the region's councils immediately face up to the city's transport woes. Proper investigation into all solutions to stop traffic build up should be the first claim on any money from the $1billion infrastructure fund .

"Auckland's Mayor is again touting Public transport as the answer to Auckland transport woes. She 's dreaming. The only way to get Auckland moving again is to look at all the options not suck up the first proposal that comes along".

Rodney Hide says the fact that the Auckland Councils are even contemplating Tranzrail's bid for funds to improve rail systems proves the councils are prepared to face up to their failure to provide an adequate motorway system for auckland."

"The Councils 'ignorant one sided slant to pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into public transport will do absolutely nothing to help aucklanders get to work faster.

"Aucklanders are now paying more than ever before in rates, it's time to ram a clear message to the councils that ratepayers money must be spent wisely, not wasted on subsidised dreams." Said Rodney Hide.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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