regional alignment on auckland roading a potential breakthrough

NZCID ANALYSIS: AUCKLAND TRANSPORT STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT PROJECT WELCOME

"For far too long divergent central and regional government views, on how to best address Auckland's transport needs, have held back delivering solutions” says NZ Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID) CEO Stephen Selwood.

Today’s release of the Terms of Reference for the Auckland Transport Strategic Alignment Project was made jointly by the Minister for Transport, Hon Annette King, Michael Lee, Chair of the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard.

Mr Selwood states that “by enabling political leaders to reach a common and long term strategic view of developing Auckland’s land transport system, this project provides a much needed potential breakthrough in meeting the region’s needs.

NZCID is encouraged by the two phase project in which Ministers and leaders of Auckland local authorities will initially work toward a long-term (20-30 year) view for the Auckland transport system. Following that agreement Ministers and representatives of Auckland local authorities will then consider the proposed actions, including steps needed to manage any outstanding short and long-term funding pressures.

"Once the long-term vision is agreed, further work will be essential achieve consensus on:

- The proposed projects that make up the strategy, and/or

- The level of funding needed over the next 10 years, and

- Who will responsible and accountable for implementation of the agreed plan.

"We're now on the 3rd regional land transport strategy since 1999. Until now regional strategies have been plagued by both a lack of agency alignment and the absence of an agreed implementation and funding programme. Getting strategic alignment between central and regional government will be a major step forward and is a very welcome development," according to Mr Selwood.

notes to editors

NZCID is an authority at the forefront of infrastructure development issues. Our numerous members stem from sectors across New Zealand, including: equity owners, service providers, public sector agencies, major infrastructure users. Together we share a clear purpose: world class infrastructure for the benefit of all New Zealanders. A goal we are committed to achieving by:

> Raising awareness of the fact that infrastructure underpins our community’s quality of life and that inadequate infrastructure holds back New Zealand’s economic and social growth

> Generating valuable debate on the quality and level of infrastructure provision to meet New Zealanders’ needs

> Encouraging the implementation of best practice infrastructure provision and management

> Identifying the condition of New Zealand’s infrastructure and the challenges facing our infrastructure providers

More information about NZCID can be found at: www.nzcid.org.nz

ENDS

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