Press release

Infrastructure investment plea to local government

The New Zealand Contractors' Federation has called on local government nationally to follow Wellington Regional Council's lead and invest in infrastructure - sooner rather than later.

CEO Richard Michael welcomed the announcement of a $500m investment package in Wellington's rail network over the next five years.

The improvements are contained in a medium-term rail plan, produced following meetings between Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Treasury, the Ministry of Transport, Land Transport New Zealand and ONTRACK.

"This demonstrates that close cooperation between local and central government gets speedy results," says Mr Michael.

"This should show other councils around the country that timely results can be obtained, even when large capital expenditure is involved.

"New Zealand should not be shying away from big projects just because they involve substantial expenditure.

"If completion is projected beyond 10 years then you get into the never-never zone which suggests there is no real commitment from key players to get things done.

"New Zealand contractors are ready and able to complete the construction components of this much needed project.

"But this also highlights what the NZCF has been calling for - a 20-year plan to coordinate all our infrastructure needs so we can plan for the skills and equipment that will be needed.

"This will ensure the jobs are completed on time and at the best possible cost to the public and with a large pay-off nationally in terms of sustainability and passenger convenience."

ENDS

© Scoop Media