Infrastructure announcements key to growth

Media Statement
11 September 2009

Waterview - RMA Reform - Rural Broadband: Infrastructure announcements key to growth and investment

"Three announcements from the Government this week including streamlining Resource Management Act (RMA) processes for major infrastructure projects; the announcement of the preferred route for completion of the $1.4bn Waterview Connection in Auckland and the additional $300m government investment in high speed broadband for the rural sector signal tangible progress on the infrastructure front", says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive, New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID).

"Each of these initiatives will contribute positively to productivity in the New Zealand economy, and will encourage further private sector investment in jobs and growth.

"The RMA reforms passed this week enable prompt decisions on infrastructure investments of national significance, like the Waterview Connection. In turn, completion of this strategic connection in 2015 (or sooner) will stimulate economic growth across south and west Auckland and appreciably improve movement of freight and commercial traffic across the Auckland region.

"High speed broadband capacity will improve the ability of the rural sector to do business domestically and further enable expansion into international markets through better connectivity. It also provides tremendous opportunity to improve social contact and educational outcomes for rural communities.

"It is pleasing to see Government's continued commitment to investment in New Zealand's productive infrastructure across the entire country.

"We now look to announcement of the preferred procurement method for construction of the Waterview Connection; to progressive roll out of phase two reforms to the RMA and other laws to further improve infrastructure consenting processes and the detail surrounding urban and rural broadband infrastructure delivery".

ENDS

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