Northland local government leaders say the central government agency Transfund decided to spend millions on Auckland rail plans without considering the impact on Northland.
In a bid to help resolve Auckland's traffic chaos, Auckland's local authorities worked out a deal to take over rail assets in the city from company Tranz Rail.
The councils would pay Tranz Rail $112 million for the assets, and wanted $45.46 million of that to come from Transfund. On Friday Transfund announced it had decided in principle to provide $22 million. The amount is to be finalised in May.
The contribution is subject to warranties and conditions, but yesterday Transfund chief executive Martin Gummer said none of those related to Northland's concerns.
"It wasn't a matter that was central to the application, or that was addressed," he said.
But the agency was aware discussions about the issue had been going on between Northland and Auckland local authorities.
"It really is a matter for Northland to resolve with both Tranz Rail, and with the Auckland councils," Mr Gummer said.
Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp said she had seen nothing yet to reassure her Northland's rail interests were being protected.
She remained concerned at the possibility the Auckland councils could choose a mode of transport for the rail corridor that impinged on the ability of Northland rail traffic to pass through the city.
Whangarei Mayor Craig Brown said his overwhelming concern was the possibility that Auckland's plight and traffic congestion would be cured in isolation. He was concerned that could mean little or no recognition of the problems of neighbouring regions.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
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