11. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What progress has been made on the Christchurch motorways road of national significance?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
I am pleased to report that 2 weeks ago I was privileged to be able to turn the first sod on the Christchurch Southern Motorway’s stage one extension. This project was accelerated out of the Government’s $142 million stimulus package, and it will employ around 150 people directly as well as create more jobs in downstream support services and suppliers. This long-awaited project will deliver economic growth and improve safety by developing better access from the south of that wonderful city of Christchurch to the central business district and Lyttelton Port.
It is an exciting time for transport in Christchurch. Other projects in the package include further stages of the Southern Motorway and the Northern Motorway extension, and I am very pleased to report that the first stages of the Western Bypass will also commence construction this year. Christchurch people will now see real progress on that highway development plan as the result of the Government’s $11 billion nationwide commitment to State highway improvements over the next 10 years.
Mr SPEAKERBefore I call the last question, I say to the Opposition that an awful lot of noise was coming from the Opposition benches. I will insist on the other side giving more courtesy to their member as she asks the last question than they extended to the Minister in answering that previous one.
Hon Annette KingI raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I do not know whether you recall it, but when Darien Fenton asked that question we could hardly hear the question being asked. I ask you that the rule you applied last year—that you can hear the question—be applied this year.