The Employment and Manufacturers Association (EMA) believe the reprioritisation of the Government’s Transport Strategy on productivity, freight movement and reconnecting communities will be good for business.
Chief executive, Brett O’Riley said there was resilience lacking in the country's infrastructure during the recent flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle which has cast a spotlight on the dire need for improvement.
"It’s highlighted how crucial it is to keep many connections across the country, particularly those to Northland, Thames/Coromandel, parts of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne and the Hawkes Bay,” stated O’Riely.
Businesses were cut off socially and economically during recent weather events, which O’Riely stressed could happen again for great lengths of time.
O’Riely also emphasised that there should be a wider outlook than just relying on roads, and that re-thinking some of the environmental and economic priorities would be greatly beneficial for future transport infrastructure.
The EMA’s advocation for a comprehensive transport strategy has been a long time coming, and they have advised that time is running out for this problem to be solved.
“We need a plan that adds resilience and capacity to our critical road networks and looks at expanding the capability of rail and other networks to move freight across the important Upper North Island economic powerhouse and the rest of the country," stated O’Riely.
Transport Minister, Michael Wood has stated that the draft strategy proposed would have an impact on climate change and lowering emissions, as well as focussing on giving people a choice on how they travel.
The Government has been pressed to provide clarity in regard to how repairing flood and slip-damaged roads will be funded. A potential increase in fuel excise tax and road user charges are reported to have been suggested as alternative options.
O’Riely said that the drafted solutions would be welcomed by businesses and individuals, especially in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. However, transport issues carry economic and social ramifications that need to be taken into consideration with environmental effects.
