Regional Fuel Tax "off the table"

17 February 2017

Media release

Regional Fuel Tax "off the table" clears way for new financing options and
faster pace of action

Finance and Infrastructure Minister, Steven Joyce's, first major
announcement since taking up the portfolio was exactly the tonic Auckland
business needed to hear.

Noting the Government announcement saying "no" to a regional fuel tax,
Chairman of the Auckland Business Forum, Michael Barnett, agreed the tax had
potential to distort the market, administratively difficult, and badly
targeted and unfair.

"We are delighted Government has rejected it, as it takes the uncertainty
around the proposal 'off the table'.

Noting also that Mr Joyce supported Auckland Council and Government
continuing to work together to maintain the momentum to address Auckland's
transport issues, Mr Barnett encouraged a lifting in the pace to identify
and agree on a suite of alternative-innovative financing options for
delivering Auckland's major transport projects.

The Auckland Business Forum also supported the Minister's signal that it is
now open to the introduction of electronic road tolling in Auckland.

It gives Auckland a clear agenda and incentive to adopt a new mind-set
focused on increasing the pace of action.

ends

© Scoop Media