Mayoral forum encouraged by transport investment

Issued on behalf of the Waikato Mayoral Forums

Waikato Mayors say the Government’s investment in the region’s transport infrastructure is a vote of confidence in one of New Zealand’s economic powerhouses.

The Government last week announced the 2012-2015 National Land Transport Programme, a partnership between local councils and New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

The Waikato Mayoral Forum, consists of the Mayors of local councils in the Waikato region, and the chair of the Waikato Regional Council.

Waikato Mayoral Forum Chair and Matamata-Piako District Mayor Hugh Vercoe says the package of investment signals the importance of the Waikato to New Zealand’s economic growth.

“We are very encouraged by the Government’s investment in transport infrastructure in the Waikato,” Mayor Vercoe says. “This shows Prime Minister John Key, Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee and the Cabinet place great emphasis on keeping the Waikato moving, and the contribution we can make to economic growth.”

The National Land Transport Programme announcement included:

• $590 million allocated to ongoing construction in the Waikato Expressway.
• $485 million allocated to maintenance, operation and renewal of the region’s road network.
• $100-$150 million investment in new infrastructure to progress state highway and NZTA-partnered projects across the Waikato, including the Hamilton Ring Road
• Replacement of the Atiamuri bridge on State Highway 1.
• $25 million contribution to operation of the Waikato public transport network.
• Delivery of the Safer Journeys action plan as part of the development of State Highway 2.

 

 

Mr Vercoe says the programme will deliver improved productivity and efficiencies across the Waikato.

“A high percentage of New Zealand’s freight, including export goods, passes through the Waikato, and these investments will enhance the region’s contribution to our country’s economy.”