Engineers Add Voice To Infrastructure Spend Plea
November 6th, 2008
Strong infrastructure investment is vital to ensure NZ survives the current economic crisis and emerges stronger and more competitive says the Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (IPENZ) and the Assoc of Consulting Engineers NZ (ACENZ). IPENZ CEO, Andrew Cleland, says, “It is not in the national interest for sound projects with low risk such as transport infrastructure projects to struggle to attract investment.” Kieran Shaw, CEO of ACENZ adds, “Early and ongoing action will restore robust national infrastructure networks to service the country in the future and could enable a faster recovery from the current crisis.”
Co-Ordinated Approach Essential. The two engineering groups support a planned approach to infrastructure investment and believe NZ infrastructure must continue to serve the country well into the future irrespective of current economic circumstances. Kieran Shaw adds, “While we appreciate the view early and targeted investment in an infrastructure programme may stimulate the economy at a critical time.” ACENZ also proposes innovative ways of funding should be explored to maximise value from the investment. “The investment should take a consistent and long-term perspective rather than that of a short-term remedial action. In addition, we need investment to build both skills and new industries.”
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