Inadequacy of capital's stifled economy
There are high hopes within the business community that final approval for the billion-dollar Transmission Gully project will kick-start Wellington's infrastructure development.
Hot Topic
Hawke’s Bay
Wellington’s business community says local government amalgamation may be the only way to deal with the region's inadequate infrastructure – slammed for holding the local economy back for too long.
Employers’ chamber of commerce president Richard Stone has welcomed Environmental Protection Authority approval for transmission gully – the final hurdle for the 27km stretch of the Wellington’s northern corridor.
The billion-dollar project has been decades in the making and it was in May the authority issued its draft approval and only recently its final approval.
Mr Stone says there are far too many gaps in Wellington’s infrastructure network.
“Sound infrastructure is a must if we are to transform Wellington’s economy. It is a key requirement for raising productivity levels and is necessary if we are to attract and retain businesses to grow our economy and increase employment.
"The amount of freight moving through the Wellington region is expected to double by 2031. Yet there seems to be too much focus on moving people rather than freight in our transport system.”
He believes local government reform will fix the problem.
“Too often the politics of rival neighbouring cities and districts result in bad regional decisions. Or decisions are delayed because of the territorial battles that occur.”
Wellington City Council has received about 1200 public submissions on the issue. Options include retaining the status-quo, a two- or three-council proposal or a single supercity-type structure.
Blair Cunningham
Thu, 19 Jul 2012
Thu, 19 Jul 2012
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Inadequacy of capital's stifled economy
22270