I note the reply by Andrew Scott dated 8/4/11 regarding the Eastern Arterial Project. He attempts to justify his ongoing job into the multiple swamp lands that reside beyond the Papamoa roundabout. He has missed the prime issues: -

1. The road is no importance.
2. Property Group representatives advise that the cost will be over 550m (budget $455m).
3. Parts of the project are useful: four lanes as far as the Papamoa roundabout, the remainder is dubious due to the nature of the ground beyond.
4. The road purports development as the justification yet the land is questionable at best.
5. With costs of over $24,000 / metre, it is clear that the terrain and path is economically in question.
6. If the link is 'one of seven roads of national significance” it leaves one wondering how low the bar is to qualify for that status considering that the population of Paengaroa is barely 500 or so.
Who pays or borrows the money is not the question, it is the purpose, plan, path and alternatives that raise the questions. I think that sorting out State Highway 2 (Tauranga though to Paeroa) and SH29 (Kaimai's) would provide blatantly obvious benefits to the BOP area in comparison and without the need of a toll.
S Bailey, Oropi.