Orewa, 29th June 2006.

High-Flying Contingent on its Way

Rodney can expect to play host to a high-flying transport contingent from central government, says Mayor John Law.

The mayor has revealed that Transport Minister Annette King accepted his invitation to visit the district and inspect for herself roading "hotspots" such as Penlink, Silverdale North on and off ramps, Warkworth by-pass and the Hill Street intersection

He says Ms King will be accompanied by North Shore Labour MPs Darien Fenton, Ann Hartley and Mayan Street.š Also accompanying the party will be National MP for Rodney Lockwood Smith.

The visit fulfils a promise made before the last election by then transport minister Pete Hodgson who said a return visit to Rodney would be a priority for any incoming transport minister if Labour was re-elected.

"Whilst that didn't happen with the initial transport minister, David Parker, subsequent discussions with his replacement, the Honourable Annette King, had been more forthcoming and fruitful," says Mr Law.

"She clearly has a good grasp on her transport portfolio and has expressed her willingness to work positively with all parties to find solutions to Rodney's roading problems. The inclusion in her delegation of Lockwood Smith-the National Party member for this district-is an indication of that."

Mr Law has previously stated that unless solutions can be found to break the gridlock on projects such as Penlink the cost to Rodney's growth and economy could be as much as three billion dollars in lost revenue and income.

He said the people of Rodney and the local business community had expressed overwhelming support for getting moving on these roading projects. A public meeting in Warkworth this year to discuss Northern Ward roading issues with Leader of the Opposition, Don Brash, packed out the school hall. The Western Ward was demanding upgrades to State Highway 16, and over half of all submissions to the council's draft Long Term Plan has been on Penlink-with an overwhelming 92% supporting the project.

"Those are the points I made to Ms King when I met her recently. And that's why I believe she is placing such importance on her Rodney visit. Rodney issues are too big to be ignored, and it is clear that this minister has no intention of doing so," Mr Law says.

ENDS.

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