Thursday, July 1st, 2004

Increased transport investment welcome, won't be enough

Transfund's projected investment in transport infrastructure of $18.7 billion over the next 10 years is a welcome and timely announcement the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"It's pleasing to see this confirmation of Government's increased commitment to addressing the country's infrastructure deficit, said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"The introduction of 10 year planning horizons should prove particularly valuable.

"Nonetheless the increased investment will only be sufficient to keep Auckland's traffic congestion at today's levels.

"The growth of Auckland means that each day there are 49 more people, some 35 more vehicles on the road, and 21 homes added to the region.

"At best today's announcement will therefore only allow our transport infrastructure to keep pace with the region's growth, not address the back log."

ENDS

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