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SunLive / Local News / Business / Archive / July 10

Construction: TEL toll good

30 Jul 2010

The New Zealand Contractors' Federation is in full support of the government's decision to fast track the Tauranga Eastern Link project by using a toll of $2 for cars and $5 for trucks.
Federation chief executive Jeremy Sole says allowing construction to begin early next year, seven years earlier than would otherwise be the case, would create confidence for contractors still struggling with the impact of recession.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce announcing the Tauranga Eastern Link project will be tolled to enable construction to begin in 2011.

"It is good for the industry to have confirmed work and the capacity and capability to construct is certainly available," says Jeremy.
"The government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a healthy civil construction industry and to releasing New Zealand's latest economic potential is admirable.
"Economic growth will mean more confidence among investors, more development and more opportunities for our industry."

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Comment by The Master - added on 05 Aug 2010 11:15PM
NZTA malfunction
ROCCO last line good call, why do you think "TOWN" Hall is moving along to NZTA ? they all suffer the same affliction being that there is no point in examining their head as "there is nothing there..." The soon to be former CEO is gunna fit in just fine there for sure.

Comment by SpeakUp - added on 30 Jul 2010 01:21PM
Couldn't say it better, Rocco
Yes," it’s a no-brainer". Yet very clever from the folk who still believe in an eternal Growth Concept, especially in regard to fossil-fueled traffic. What's sold to the public is hopelessly backdated. In a couple of decades we will have fancy road projects devoid of traffic, while the stupid decision to build cycle paths on railway routes will be reversed.

Comment by ROCCO - added on 30 Jul 2010 12:13PM
TAURANGA EASTERN MOTORWAY FANTASY LAND
The following summarises the points made in the more pertinent and genuine submissions as to why the Eastern Arterial Link proposal should not proceed at this time. The two most telling factors are that first, it is accepted and admitted that this project is not of National significance or importance and ranks very low on the priority list. The only reason to accelerate it is tolling. The second is the fact that it is not providing anything handy to the Port with industrial development or industrial access. This comes from the Tauriko area which is already being developed industrial-wise which accesses Hamilton and does not need any new routes. Any money would be better spent on the Tauranga to Hamilton highway. It currently looks like someone is pandering to private developers with land at Paengaroa in an area designated Rangiuru Business Park. Perhaps it should be spelt out who these outfits are. The under-utilised Route K from Tauriko, plus Takitimu Drive and the new Bridge all lead directly to the Tauranga Port, unlike the Eastern Arterial Link which goes only part way to Papamoa which is still 20km. from the Tauranga Port, then has to compete with all S.H.2 traffic and the local residents vehicles as well. In short, the prospect of a traffic nightmare! Honestly, it’s a no-brainer! Save NZ taxpayers’ money in a recession and defer the Papamoa to Paengaroa Link until the necessity arises, which is at least 10 years away. If a Te Puke and Waitangi by-pass is an issue, then put in place a short by-pass costing say $10 – 20 million which is fine and will do the job admirably. To me, it was quite clear at the outset that the decision/recommendations of the consultation report would be a predetermined done deal and this has proved to be the case unfortunately. Why on earth TCC, particularly Mayor Crosby, was vigorously supporting this thing is a complete mystery. At the risk of being repetitive, can I just reiterate that this project at around $455 million dollars has no national significance; it does not rank on the priority list and in the current economic climate is a complete misuse of taxpayers’ funds. Apart from the upgrade on the Te Maunga / Papamoa stretch of road, the best course of action is to do nothing at the present time. The Government, NZTA and TCC want their heads examined.

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