Contractors backs calls for shovel ready projects

Media Release – for immediate release

18 February 2009

Contractors’ Federation backs calls for “shovel ready” projects.

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The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation has backed calls for the Government to ensure a supply of “shovel ready” projects for future infrastructure schemes.

Chief Executive Richard Michael welcomed calls by the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ) for the Government to begin planning now to obtain advance design and environmental approvals for future projects.

The term “shovel ready” is used to describe projects for which all preliminary work has been carried out with planning complete and environmental and public considerations addressed.

It has become widely used in the US due to President Obama using the term to describe projects which have stalled through lack of funds and which form the focus of his economic stimulus package.

However, Mr Michael said there is much to be said for government introducing an ongoing programme of preparing ‘shovel ready’ projects.

“The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation wholeheartedly endorses ACENZ’s calls for the Government to build up a portfolio of projects which are ready to go,” he said.

“That would be part of a prudent medium term planning horizon that should provide us with flexibility to move projects ahead if economic and political conditions allow.”

ENDS

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