Prime Minister’s speech realistic in progressing Auckland transport projects
26 June 2013
The Prime Minister’s programme for Auckland’s major transport projects is a measured and realistic approach to dealing
with growing congestion and population growth.
While some may dispute the order of priorities the programme recognises the huge cost involved and the wisdom of
spreading those costs over a lengthy period bearing in mind the Governments other major financial obligation, the
rebuild of Christchurch.
The real tests are yet to come, especially the forecast costs of land acquisition and construction, and how these costs
will be funded.
Rough estimates suggest a total cost of $10 billion for the three major projects and it is obvious Auckland Council will
have to fund part of this.
Government’s commitment reflects the availability of funds from the partial sale of assets and Auckland Council should
also consider selling assets to cover some the costs it will need to fund.
The one contentious decision may be the choice of a tunnel link rather than a bridge not least on the questions of cost
with the bridge estimated cost of around $3.5 billion against a tunnel cost of $5.2 billion.
While there is likely to be general approval for Governments commitment to fund half the cost of the City Rail Link,
ratepayers will be anxiously awaiting Council’s proposals for funding its half share.
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David Thornton was a member of the Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee in the late 1990 when 147 possible
locations for a new Harbour Crossing were assessed and a route adjacent to the existing Bridge became the preferred
option!