10. DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What announcements has the Minister made on accelerating State highway projects?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
This morning the Prime Minister, with my humble assistance, announced that we will be accelerating $142 million worth of State highway projects. This funding is over and above that available from the National Land Transport Fund, and will have an immediate impact on regional economies and their workforce. Further announcements will be made soon in respect of further increasing investment in New Zealand’s State highway network.
Sandra GoudieThe replacement of the current one-lane Kōpū Bridge has been included, which means construction can commence in July of this year and be finished a year earlier than would otherwise have occurred. This bridge is a very longstanding source of frustration for people travelling to and from the Coromandel, going back many years. Members can expect further announcements on improving our State highway infrastructure in the near future.
Craig FossThe Hawke’s Bay will benefit from the acceleration of both the southern link extension of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway and the Matahōrua Gorge realignment. These projects are worth a combined $55 million and will provide a significant boost to local contractors and suppliers.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
Can the Minister confirm that 20 percent of the State highways that have been named today are being brought forward by the grand total of 3 months, at the enormous cost of zero dollars, and is this not symbolic of the half-hearted nature of the transport package he has announced today?
I can confirm that one of the projects is being brought forward 3 months, which does not amount to bringing money across 1 year, but it is interesting that with a new Minister and a new Government the New Zealand Transport Agency seems to be able to work quicker than under the old Government.
Amy AdamsI am delighted to announce that construction work will finally be able to begin on the Christchurch southern motorway extension. This has been a long time coming. In fact, my colleague David Carter wrote to all Christchurch MPs back in June 2004, I believe, asking them to support this project. Members can expect further announcements on improving our State highway infrastructure in the near future.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
How can the country have any confidence in the figures used today by the Minister, when yesterday he overstated the cost of the Waterview Connection by only $750 million and made a mistake with Transmission Gully costings, and can he also confirm to the House that he is meant to be the Associate Minister of Finance?