Business Advisory Panel supports city rail link

Members of the Auckland Council Business Advisory Panel have put their support behind the $2.5billion city rail link project, following a presentation by Auckland Transport to the Panel last night.

“To have key representatives of the business community support the council’s work and the project’s economic and transport benefits is a timely boost for the city rail link,” says chair of the Business Advisory Panel, Councillor Cameron Brewer.

“What’s more, to have panel members insist that the council aims for the project to be completed in six years shows they are keen to see some real urgency applied.”

The Business Advisory Panel believes the link will bring considerable economic benefit to Auckland and substantially boost the capacity of Auckland’s rail network.

The panel also resolved to support in principle the council’s designation work for the rail, the on-going advancement of the project, the development of a funding solution, and a target of six years.

“This latest business endorsement shows just how widespread support for the city rail link is. It’s great that the council is starting the preliminary and designation work as the Government encouraged. On developing a funding solution, the Business Advisory Panel is keen to be involved and consulted going forward,” says Councillor Brewer.

Mayor Len Brown attended the Business Advisory Panel’s meeting, which also looked at the region’s draft Economic Development Strategy, which is out for consultation in August.