MEDIA RELEASE

5 June 2002

IA GIVES $32.34 MILLION TO NEW ZEALAND’S BIGGEST EVER FERRY PROJECT

Statement made by John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland

Infrastructure Auckland (IA) has approved a grant of $32.34 million towards the biggest Ferry project New Zealand has ever seen.

The project delivers a reduction in road congestion, increased Ferry patronage, and an enhanced Ferry travelling experience according to the evaluation undertaken by IA on the Regional Ferry Terminal Project.

Projections from the applicant indicate that over 2,000 cars per day will be taken off the road in 20 years time as a result of the project, and that there would be an additional 3,000 daily Ferry commuters.

The funding will go towards purchasing existing wharves and developing these and others in the inner harbour. The project also funds the construction of new wharves at various locations.

Infrastructure Auckland is pleased to be in a position to make another significant contribution to Auckland’s transport infrastructure, by making this grant towards the Regional Ferry Terminal Project.

The grant results from a joint application from across the region’s territorial local authorities: Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, North Shore City Council, and Waitakere City Council.

Results from IA’s extensive evaluation process show that this project will deliver significant community benefits to Auckland.

Infrastructure Auckland has been involved for over two years in the Ferry Terminal project. This project is a key part of the Regional Ferry Strategy and forms part of the Regional Land Transport Strategy.

The following wharves form part of this project:

- Downtown Auckland

- Devonport

- Birkenhead

- Bayswater

- Half Moon bay

- Northcote Point

- Stanley Bay

- Beach Haven (New)

- Hobsonville (New)

- Gulf Harbour, and

- Orakei

A key benefit of this project is that Ferry passengers will experience a consistent level of amenity and services across all Ferry terminals in the Auckland region.

The funding amount of $32.34 million is at the top end of the range considered by IA.

The project fits with a number of regional transport initiatives already underway such as the Bus Rapid Transit System, Britomart, and other regional planned initiatives.

The major recipient of the grant as nominated by the Local Authorities, will be Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd (ARTNL). North Shore City Council will also receive $2.04 million of the grant to purchase wharves on the North Shore. ARTNL will develop and manage all of the Regional Ferry Terminal wharves.

Ends.

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