Media Release
22 April 2009

Plan for better public transport and roads

Improving the roading network and making public transport a viable transport choice are the focuses of proposed spending in Manukau City Council’s 10-year plan

The council is asking for public feedback on the proposed transport projects and spending as part of consultation on the Long Term Council Community Plan 2009 -2019. A rates increase of 3.8 per cent is proposed for each of the ten years of the plan.

The 10-year budget for transport, which makes up the majority of council spending, is $1.96 billion. Transport spending ranges from roading maintenance and repairs to construction of new roads, cycleways and transport interchanges.

Major projects planned for the next ten years include the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) package of roading and public transport in the eastern suburbs, the Manukau city centre bus and train station, upgrades to major roads in rural areas and upgrading roads in Flat Bush.

Manukau City Council Transport Portfolio Leader David Collings says it is important to have a transport system with good, fast links around the city and the region.

“The council wants to make Manukau easier to move around for both residents and businesses. Improving the transport network is a core part of council business because allowing goods and services to move around efficiently is crucial to the success of the city’s economy.

“We have to make sure our transport can cope with the pressures from growth and have plans in place to make sure it is in good shape for the future.

“The majority of journeys will continue to be by car or truck so we need to make sure our roading network is improved. However it is also important to improve public transport so that it becomes a viable alternative to driving.

“If people have the choice of using good public transport that gets them where they need to go it will help us cope with increasing traffic volumes, “Cr Collings says.

Major transport projects include:

• AMETI (Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative) projects, 2009 – 2019. Budget $120 million.
• Major passenger transport routes, 2009 – 2019. Budget $28.4 million.
• Whitford arterial route, 2009 – 2019. Budget $6.6 million.
• Clevedon rural arterial road upgrade, 2009 – 2019. Budget $19 million.
• Flat Bush to Manukau city centre road upgrade and bus priority route, 2009 – 2019. Budget $10 million.
• Footpaths and cycleways, 2009 – 2019. Budget $25 million.
• Chapel Road realignment, 2013 – 2016. Budget $11.8 million.
• Murphys Road bridge improvements, 2014 – 2016. Budget $13 million.
• Murphys Road upgrade, 2015 – 2017. Budget $12.7 million.
• Rural forestry road improvements, 2009 – 2019. Budget $17 million.
• Ormiston/Preston/East Tamaki Rd intersection realignment, 2011 – 2013. Budget $11 million.
• Half Moon Bay ferry terminal (council share of ARTA project) – 2017 – 2018. Budget $4.2 million.
• Rail-related projects – 2009 – 2011. Budget $4.6 million
• Carpark Manukau city centre - 2009 - 2012. Budget $24 million.
Note: The majority of project budgets include a government subsidy of 53 per cent, some also include development contributions.

The public can make submissions quickly and easily on line at www.tellusyourmanukau.govt.nz, or by using the form included in the summary sent out to all Manukau letter-boxes this week. Submissions close 6 May 2009.

ENDS

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