A 10-Year Network Completion Programme

Gear-Up Industry For A 10-Year Network Completion Programme – “Do It Once, Do It Properly, Do It Now!”

“The alternative 15-year work programme suggested by Auckland and Wellington officials to complete Auckland’s core roading and rail networks is unacceptable to the business community,” said Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

He strongly believed that a clear announcement from Government that removes the funding constraint holding back Auckland’s transport infrastructure programme would give the construction industry the certainty it is seeking to gear up to get the job done in 10 years – not the 15 years being proposed by officials.

“If the industry knows that there is 10 years of work ahead, they would gear up at a much faster pace, and be able to attract new players and skills into the industry from overseas and from upgraded local training,” said Mr Barnett.

Congestion on Auckland’s incomplete, over-stressed roading network is costing the Auckland and New Zealand economy many millions of dollars.

“What is making things worse is the uncertainty that there is a clear programme of work in the pipeline to complete the network to enable better access for business traffic and to improve bus and rail services.”

Mr Barnett was responding to reports this morning that even if the money is found to solve Auckland’s transport back-log problems in 10-years, the industry would not be able to respond.

“Solving this issue is the number one concern of Auckland business, and has been for a number of years. “Now that there is a solution in sight, there is no way that the industry will allow itself to become part the problem to getting it actioned in a 10-year programme,” said Mr Barnett.

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