Mayor Len Brown
Media release – for immediate use
12 August 2010

Auckland’s infrastructure can’t wait

Mayor Len Brown says he will continue to advocate for Auckland’s infrastructural needs in spite of Transport Minister Stephen Joyce’s plea that candidates stop talking about transport.

“The government’s own supercity legislation says the Mayor must deliver a ‘vision’ for Auckland.  It’s a bit rich for a Minister to now criticise candidates for proposing visionary projects, when that is precisely what his government requires of us," says Len Brown.

"I am running for mayor to deliver strong inclusive leadership to tackle the big issues facing our region, such as transport.  I’m not going to shy away from talking about our region's infrastructural needs. Aucklanders will elect someone who is going to stand up and demand action on fixing the region’s problems.

“This Government’s own vision is to catch up with Australia’s standard of living by 2025.  To do that, it needs some ambition and real investment.  The Federal Government in Australia would be saying ‘let’s find a way to do this’; not pouring cold water on proposals.  I want Auckland to be the world’s most liveable city.  It urgently needs a modern transport system.  We need to work out how to achieve that, not find excuses for doing nothing.

"Wherever I am in Auckland the number one issue people talk to me about is transport. I'm not going to apologise for voicing what Aucklanders want to see happen in their region. Aucklanders want unclogged roads and a better public transport system - including a rail link to the airport and underground CBD rail loop. If I am elected mayor I will do everything I can to get these projects moving.

"Obviously central government will form the basis for most funding. I will continue to engage with Wellington on what the best use of their resources are - that's why the supercity was set up in the first place. Council will set up to the plate and I also see infrastructure bonds as a way for Aucklanders to invest in their city and give us the capital we need to tackle some of these projects.

“One of the main reasons the government is setting up the supercity is to deal with Auckland’s transport. Mr Joyce can hardly complain when Auckland speaks with one voice about the priorities it sees as important for the region.

ends

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