Media Statement
Friday, 20 March 2009

Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne welcomes Govt pledge of Transmission Gully decision and funding

The Government has just removed the $600 million hurdle that was the biggest obstacle to Transmission Gully, bringing it a huge step closer to reality, Ohariu MP and UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne said today.

In welcoming Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s commitment yesterday to funding either Transmission Gully or the coast highway option, Mr Dunne said it would become increasingly obvious that Transmission Gully is Wellington’s only feasible choice.

“The coastal highway option simply doesn’t stack up and it never has. It’s simply no-go. Transmission Gully is the only option that makes sense and now that the Government has committed to funding the chosen option, it will become self-evident.

“Transmission Gully is so clearly the only feasible option – so I’m looking forward to the Government confirming this by the end of this year,” Mr Dunne said.

“Minister Joyce’s announcement is incredibly significant – we now have a deadline after years of delay – a decision will be made this year, and we now have a commitment to funding, removing a $600 million problem.

“The people of Wellington have waited long enough and now its time for solutions and action. Transmission Gully came a huge step closer yesterday,” Mr Dunne said.

“The Government’s decision to fund the chosen option means there is now simply no obstacle to Transmission Gully proceeding and we simply need to get on with it.”

Ends

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