Local projects miss out on Transport funding - 3/09/2012

Key local transport projects have not been funded in the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) plan for 2012-15 announced last week.

The proposed Heads Road roundabout, key shared pathways and a crash reduction study has not been included.

“This means that we have missed out on almost $3.5 million of contributions to work we identified as necessary in our area to improve safety,” says Mayor Annette Main.

“We acknowledge that we are not the only Council in our region, and indeed throughout the country, who have projects that have not been funded. However, our projects met all the criteria for funding but have not been funded due to necessary commitments to Christchurch and to large infrastructure projects in Auckland. There is simply not enough money allocated to meet the needs of all of New Zealand.”

Cr Ray Stevens, Chairman of Council’s Infrastructure and Property Committee said, “Although we have received funding for our annual road maintenance and renewals programs, in reality by 2015 there will have been no increase in the money allocated for six years.”

Work required on Wylies Bridge is also not approved in the current National Land Transport Programme but is currently being reviewed by NZTA.

“We are reasonably confident the necessary work will be funded in next year’s budget.” Mayor Annette Main said, “Along with the other Mayors from regional New Zealand, I am extremely disappointed that projects which have been identified as important to us as a community are not seen as priorities when funding is allocated nationally.”