Media Release
26 August 2009

Rodney Mayor welcomes new transport agency

Rodney Mayor Penny Webster has cautiously welcomed the recent announcement by Transport Minister Steven Joyce of a new agency to deliver transport projects and services across Auckland.

“I think the idea of the new Auckland Transport Agency taking into account all local authority transport delivery functions for the whole of the Auckland region is a good one,” Mrs Webster says.

However, Mayor Webster adds the new agency’s real success will be dependent on what it actually delivers to the whole of the region.

“For far too long the region’s transport initiatives have focussed on metro-centric issues such as a cycleway over the Harbour Bridge or providing more public transport.

“I hope this will mean the transport needs and priorities in Rodney district, such as the Penlink toll road at Whangaparaoa and the Hill Street intersection upgrade at Warkworth, will now be higher up the pecking order in the new regional agency’s plans.

“It will be refreshing for Rodney residents – and many others in the wider Auckland area – if we will now have a regional transport agency not just fixated on metro Auckland, but one that takes a more holistic view of regional transport issues including local roads.”

Mrs Webster added that it would be vital for the new agency to implement Minister Joyce’s demands around making the necessary decisions between different priorities to ensure regional transport projects are delivered efficiently and effectively across the whole region.

ENDS

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