Media Release

19 March 2009

Funding concerns about new Manukau rail station

Manukau Mayor Len Brown is asking the Government to make clear if vital Auckland region public transport projects will get funding.
 
“Of particular concern to our community is the Manukau rail station, which work is due to begin on very soon. The Auckland Regional Council had $14 million from the regional fuel tax set aside for the station, where will that come from now?

“Manukau City Council and the Government, through Ontrack, have already funded enabling works for the rail link. The council has also set aside $20 million for the bus interchange which will be part of the station and other local work around it.

“The decision to drop the regional fuel tax will be welcomed by people in our city who are struggling with the tough economy. But it also raises some serious issues about projects that were planned to be funded through the regional fuel tax.

“It is imperative that progress is not delayed as a result of any funding uncertainty created through the abolishment of the regional fuel tax.

“The Manukau rail station is just one of the important projects that we need to keep moving on. New Lynn and Newmarket stations and a number of ferry terminals upgrades are also affected. The Government needs to make sure they are not delayed.

“We also have to keep up the momentum on getting an integrated ticket system so people can travel around Auckland on one ticket, build stations and provide new diesel trains for the increase in rail patronage.”

Mr Brown says it is critical that public transport requirements are addressed.

“As a region, we have finally agreed on a vision for future-proofing transport needs and it’s critical we are clear on where the funding is coming from.

“Now is not the time to blink.

“We have a clear message from Government about its essential commitment to this important and critical infrastructure work in New Zealand.

“As a region we need to come rocketing out of this recession on the back of the building of significant infrastructure that keeps our roads and transport networks moving.”

Mr Brown is writing to Auckland Regional Council Chairman Michael Lee asking him to urgently commence processes to put in a bid to the Government for funding of the Manukau rail station and other key projects.

ENDS

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