Playing Catch-up

In the late 1970’s the spending on transport infrastructure dropped down from 2.5% of GDP to a very low 1%. This low level of investment, coupled with high population growth, has left Auckland many years behind in terms of transport assets.

Frankly, the efforts of the existing Mayors in this respect have been fairly average and it is rather odd to hear them now making all sorts of promises. If they really wanted to fix this why haven’t they done so?

The fact is, we won’t ever catch up if projects are reliant on rates as a key part of funding.

Here is what I will do

Policy One : Raise Infrastructure Bonds (self-funding, using tolls) to get major projects underway. Just compare the nearly 60 years it has taken to get the Auckland city ring route done with the mere 8 years it took Sydney. What we are doing isn’t working. We need to change leadership and adopt a new funding method for a better outcome. We need to be thinking and planning longterm.

Policy Two :Support the Anzac Centenary Bridge proposal as the third Auckland crossing - we would get 10 general traffic lanes (potentially two dedicated bus and/or heavy traffic lanes), two dedicated public transport lanes and purpose-built walking and cycling facilities. Additionally, the bridge itself would have tourist facilities and activities.

The Case For A New Bridge

• Number of vehicles crossing bridge set to rise by 30% in the next 20 years.
• Estimated construction cost $2.5- 2.8 billion compared to $3.7 - $4.1b for the proposed tunnel.
• Operating cost of 3 to 5 times less than those of a tunnel (based on ventilation, lighting, drainage and maintenance).
• Travel time and distance savings worth about $30 million a year (based on a bridge being 1.2km shorter than a tunnel).
• Estimated tourism benefits: $325 million a year.
• Vehicle emissions reduced by 10,000 tonnes a year. Compared to only 3,000 tonnes if we opt for a tunnel.

Source : ESTHER HARWARD - Sunday Star Times on stuffco.nz 15.10.2010