Investment in infrastructure not urban savanna

Media Release – for immediate release

06 March 2009

Investment in infrastructure not urban savanna

Auckland needs to invest in vitally needed infrastructure not an urban savanna for more zoo elephants, says the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation.

Federation Chief Executive Jeremy Sole said Auckland City Council’s decision to support funding of a $13.5m 22,000 enclosure for a herd of elephants appeared to be a poorly considered decision and sends the wrong messages in the current economic climate.

“While having an urban savanna is likely in the short term to bring more visitor cash in to the zoo, directing funds into improved infrastructure would offer a great deal more in the way of economic benefits for the city and the region,” said Mr Sole.

Mr Sole welcomed Auckland Regional Transport’s $22 billion draft plan to improve the transport network in Auckland over the next 20 to 30 years, however he noted ARTA’s prediction that Councils may withhold funds this area – which makes the elephant spending even more distressing.

“The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation has long advocated long term plans for infrastructure development and it is very good to see authorities taking this approach.

“This will enable authorities, contractors and communities to prepare and to make strategic decisions with the least risk.

“However, we would like assurances that a variety of project sizes will be made available to ensure work for small and medium sized operators as well as large contractors.”

ENDS

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