Surplus shows Govt can afford Eden Park upgrade

Newmarket Business Association

Wednesday 11 October 2006

$11.5b surplus shows Govt can afford Eden Park upgrade

An association that represents some of Auckland's highest rated commercial properties says the Government's record operating surplus announced today confirms that most of the $350 million needed for the proposed Eden Park upgrade should come out of Wellington.

"The Auckland ratepayer is strapped, with average rates up 30% over three years. Whereas the Government coffers are overflowing. The Government can easily afford to dig into its pockets to get the ball rolling," said head of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer today.

"The Rugby World Cup will benefit the whole nation and Dr Cullen's latest surplus shows that the nation can easily afford to provide the much-needed facilities.

"There's no credibility in Clark, Cullen and Mallard pointing to the stretched Auckland City ratepayer for the cash when they are sitting on $11.5 billion," said Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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