Media Release
5pm - 20 November 2002

IA Offers $16.6m For Rapid Progress On Rail Project

Statement made by John Robertson, Chairman Infrastructure Auckland

Infrastructure Auckland (IA) offered $16.6million today to the Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd (ARTNL) to urgently upgrade rail amenities throughout Auckland. The grant relates to the full amount considered for funding by IA.

These funds will deliver lasting benefits to the region independent of the overall rail upgrade project.

IA has offered to make 10% of the total grant available to ARTNL immediately so that rapid progress can be made on the project.

This grant would return rail amenities to standards that would be reasonably expected by the traveling public and surrounding communities. Such measures include much needed security cameras at stations, more lighting and improved security fencing throughout Auckland’s rail network.

These interim measures would complement the refurbished and interim rolling stock being arranged by the Auckland Regional Council and focus on necessary improvements to public safety and security across the rail network.

IA immediately considered, evaluated and offered a grant for $16.6million for urgent measures to upgrade Auckland’s rail network from a total application of $35.4 million. The remaining $18.8 million relates to stage one of the overall Regional Rail Upgrade Project which will be considered after a robust business plan has been developed and accepted by the region.

IA has long signaled the need for a business plan for the overall rail upgrade project. The Electoral College and the Carter Grieve Report have more recently made the same call.

IA continues to work constructively with the region to assist the rail project as the project’s planned implementation gets closer.

The public deserves no less than excellence in the planning, implementation and management of the rail project to deliver the best possible package of lasting benefits to the region. IA looks forward to funding a project that is structured to achieve this.

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