The Auckland Region has agreed a launches plan for its regional transport network plans for the next ten years decade DRAFT

Auckland regional transport representatives have agreed to an integrated multi-modal transport network to be built over the next ten years.

The plan is outlined in the Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy 2003 released today. Speaking at the Strategy’s launch, Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee Chairwoman and Regional Councillor, Catherine Harland said the region’s growth depends on a solid plan and getting the funding to deliver it.

“The region needs an integrated roading network, passenger transport serivices and measures to encourage people to change their travel behaviour. We have had numerous visions for such a network in the past but they’ve not been put into actionFor decades the region has dreamed, schemed and planned improvements but typically not put these into action. We Aucklanders now face the effects of that failure on a daily basis,” Ms Cr Harland says.

"This 2003 Strategy builds on the work of the previous Regional Land Transport Committee, whose efforts are now being seen in the delivery of on-the-ground construction projects such as Grafton Gully and the Central Motorway Junction. But much more is to come."

“While Aall key parties have agreed to the plan, and many projects are virtually ready to go, delivery of major projects is still hamstrung by funding shortfalls, "and work has begun on some projects, like the Grafton Gully extensions.” says Cr Harland

Ms Harland said funding remains a significant issue.

“There is a gap of $2.4 billion between funds available and funds required to deliver the network. Central and local agencies are both working together to exploringe funding options. It is going to take a little time and effort to to get further along the funding trackidentify the exact means to fund the gap but it will only be possible to implement innovative approaches if Aucklanders generally are prepared to bear a share of the cost,” she says.

"If we want to improve infrastructure and services then the reality is that it has to be paid for."

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