26 August 2004
Media Release

Don’t Let Perfect Get In The Way Of Potential

“Doing nothing is not an option but if building the compromise Eastern Corridor as proposed by Mayors Banks and Curtis today can start providing relief for congestion on Auckland’s roads, give me the starting date”, says Auckland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Michael Barnett.

“I suggest it will provide relief. It will give motorists and freight distributors an option and it will afford public transport additional routes to fast track commuters to the city, which in the longer term will offer an attractive alternative to car use. It will also allow movement for residents from community to community” said Mr Barnett.

The compromise is not perfect and does not future proof Auckland’s transport needs. However it is a start and it’s certainly better than doing nothing.

“We have had the ‘grand and massively expensive’ proposals, and now we have a ‘more modest and less expensive’ option.

“What we now need is the leadership from the mayors to take a decision and shift the project from planning and consultation to building something, and doing it with huge urgency and foresight,” said Mr Barnett.

ENDS

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