An almost 40 percent increase in Southland pothole prevention funding is a massive boost for the province’s regional economic growth, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says.

“Southland’s current funding allocation for local road pothole prevention is $52,260,919. That will increase by $20.6 million to $72,923,233 for the 2024-27 funding round, a massive 39.5 percent increase.

“This is a huge boost which reflects a significant investment by the Government in our regional economy, because our roads are our link to the rest of the country and the world, getting our goods and produce to market.

“The money will be distributed across local council to get roads up to the safe and reliable standards that Southlanders expect.

“To receive this kind of investment in our province, at a time when budgets are tight, is a real win for the Southland region and a sign that this Government is committed to rebuilding our economy.

“It’s also great news for Southlanders, who have expressed concern to me about the poor state of our roads – with potholes a major safety issue.

“Southland has about 2000 Km’s of roading, which is a huge area to maintain. I would like to think that this funding will take pressure off local councils and ratepayers at a time when people are struggling and funding is tight.

“This is all about getting Southlanders and freight, where they need to go, as quickly and safely as possible – it’s a real win for the province.

“The $72,923,233, will be distributed by NZTA, and will be ringfenced, rather than used on a list of projects meaning the money will be specially applied to resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance to improve our local roads.”

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