There’s been plenty of talk recently around SkyPath and the possibility of the Government fully funding the long-awaited project. Here are some answers to the questions that have surrounded these most recent media statements.
Has the government committed to funding SkyPath?
No, the Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye have both said that SkyPath could be considered for funding through the Urban Cycleways Programme, not that it will be. The Minister of Transport wrote to the SkyPath Trust on 23 May 2017 stating “that the Government remains supportive of current hybrid PPP model”.
Wouldn’t it be good if it could be part of the Urban Cycleways Programme?
At this stage, the Urban Cycleways Programme is set to end next year and there is no guarantee that it will be extended.
If it was extended under the current terms, the project would have to be formally submitted, then considered by the programme’s independent panel, which would be over a year away. On top of that, the current funding policy settings state that matching funding would be required.
So what now?
Without a firm commitment from the Government on funding SkyPath, it’s vital that the council presses ahead and doesn’t lose momentum on the current progress nor the investment that’s been made.
The project is progressing well and has never been in better shape to proceed as a PPP. Additionally, our PPP partner, HRL Morrison & Co, remains fully committed and enthusiastic about the project, along with thousands of Aucklanders.
Hasn’t the builder pulled out though?
A great deal of progress has been made in the last six months with the PIP Fund and NZTA and, just a fortnight ago, the latest key milestone has been to put the tender out for a new builder.
Despite Downer pulling out of the project in March, at least five major construction companies have subsequently expressed interest in building this project and three have been selected to bid.
Once the builder is on board, there is a clear timetable over the next two years to undertake detailed design and build SkyPath, which will complete the missing link that’s desperately needed in Auckland’s cycling and walking networks.
