Auckland Council has submitted a list of 73 key projects to the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group, the taskforce set up by the Government to seek out ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure projects that can start quickly to stimulate the economy and reduce the economic impact of COVID-19
The list is made up of two parts: 30 key projects ranked in order of priority and a further 43 projects that are not ranked but that also meet the Government criteria.
Mayor Phil Goff says, “The 30 key projects are ready to go and fully meet the Government’s criteria. They will help stimulate the economy and employment and produce long-term benefits for both the city and country. They reflect the economic, social and environmental objectives that both Auckland Council and the Government have committed to.”
Many of the projects included in the submission were already underway or planned to start within the next 6-12 months but have been put on hold due to the nationwide shutdown, including the City Rail Link, the Eastern Busway and the Puhinui Interchange.
Other projects submitted to the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group include:
- Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme
- North western Busway Improvements
- Rosedale Bus Station
- Te Whau Pathway
- Puhinui Stream Restoration Programme
- Marae Upgrade Programme
- Works to enable Kāinga Ora housing projects in Northcote, Tamaki and Mt Roskill
Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Chris Darby, says, “Not only are these projects ‘shovel-ready’, they are also ‘future-ready’. This once in a generation investment will create jobs for Aucklanders who will build a transforming legacy for our city.”
Goff says, “work in the construction and infrastructure industries will be able to get underway as soon as possible, with projects such as the City Rail Link able to resume construction work next Tuesday once the Level 4 lockdown is lifted.
“The resumption of business, particularly in the construction and infrastructure industries, will play an important role in kick-starting the economy and getting people back into work as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Prior to COVID-19, Auckland Council was on track to deliver a capital works programme exceeding $2 billion for the financial year.
“As the region with a third of the nation’s population and almost 40 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product, Auckland Council’s current and planned infrastructure programme will be absolutely critical to the success of this stimulus initiative.
“I am confident that we are ready and able to play our part in partnership with the Government and the construction industry.”
