Friday, 28 April 2006

Manukau Rail Link to Cost $70 million

A recommendation to drop any reference to the Manukau Rail Link in Manukau City Council's submission to the Auckland Regional Council Draft Long Term Community Plan by Cr Dick Quax was defeated at last night's Council meeting.

In replying to a question put by Cr Quax, Council officials acknowledged that the 1.8 kilometre rail link from Wiri to Manukau will cost $70 million.

This is up $30 million from the original cost put up in 2000.

"It's irresponsible for the Council to even consider this scheme". It would not measure up to any cost benefit analysis."

Cr Quax said that the chairman of the ARC Mike Lee has correctly pointed out there is no business plan for the rail spur.

ARC Transport Committee chair, Joel Cayford has suggested that a bus service linking Wiri with Manukau and on out to Botany is a better and cheaper option.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis claims that the link is an integral part of the rail system.

Cr Quax accuses the mayor, of "empire building" and lacking judgement on the issue.

"For a man who promotes public transport it's absurd that he uses his chauffeur driven limousine to drive 200 metres from the Civic Centre across the street to the site of the new Manukau Police Station and back."

ENDS

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