Mayor Pleased Puhoi North Included

Whilst expressing “deep disappointment” that Penlink has not been included in the road transport funding package announced yesterday by Transport Minister Steven Joyce, Rodney’s mayor Penny Webster has welcomed the retention of the Puhoi to Wellsford section of State Highway 1 as a project of national significance.

The $8.7 billion programme of investment in New Zealand’s transport system excludes Penlink from the current funding round, but continues planning and development work on State Highway 1 in north Rodney.

Mrs Webster is pleased the government is acknowledging the importance of the 30-kilometre section, but says it’s important the government speeds up progress. “I am disappointed the government is still talking planning. We have had years of that. What the people of Rodney want is an end to planning and the beginning of construction.”

She says that there have been 10 deaths on Rodney Roads this year, 6 of them on the Puhoi to Te Hana section of State Highway 1.

“I would like Penlink to happen soon. And we will continue to work with Minister Joyce to reinstate it as a vital project, a lot of livelihoods depend on that. But we are talking lives on State Highway 1 and there is no room in my opinion for compromise or delay.”

ENDS

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