Transmission Gully - Now

ACT New Zealand Wellington-based MP Heather Roy today called on the Government to prioritise approval of the Transmission Gully route, after the weekend's atrocious weather highlighted just how vulnerable State Highway One is to natural disaster.

"If the people of the Wellington region ever needed a reminder of the necessity of Transmission Gully, this past weekend was it," Mrs Roy said.

"The havoc caused by this weather has been a salient reminder to Wellingtonians of just how isolated Wellington can become. It is unacceptable that our capital city can be cut off from the country when its main arterial route in and out of the city falls victim to disaster.

"Almost any natural disaster has the potential to leave Wellington cut off from the outside world. I join Greater Wellington Regional Council Transport Committee Chairman Chris Turver in his call for action, and a speedy conclusion to Transit New Zealand's geo-technical investigation of the Transmission Gully route.

"Wellingtonians should not have to fear bad weather, and my canvassing of Ohariu-Belmont residents has revealed that two-thirds support the construction of Transmission Gully - even if it were a toll road.

"Ohariu-Belmont MP Peter Dunne, however, is silent. If he truly has the influence he claims to have over the Labour Government, then he should be using it for the benefit of the people of the Wellington region.

"Unfortunately, Mr Dunne sees this as only an election issue. But, as ACT buddy MP for this electorate, I am committed to ensuring that a viable alternative route to Wellington, in times of natural disaster, is imperative," Mrs Roy said.

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