10. BRENDAN HORAN (NZ First) to the Minister of Transport: Has he made a decision to fund the repair of the Napier-Gisborne rail network; if not, why not?

Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Transport) : No; because it is still under active consideration.

Brendan Horan: What, then, does he have to say to the many families throughout the wider Napier-Gisborne region whose livelihoods hang in the balance and who suffer more hardship as each day of indecision rolls on by?

Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: The question would suggest that transport routes into Gisborne are completely closed; they are not. It is important that there is proper consideration given to this decision, so that there can be certainty about freight transport exports from the area in the years ahead.

Brendan Horan: Is he aware that the closure of the rail link will cause the loss of many jobs in the area, or is this the Government’s idea of regional development?

Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: I think there is a supposition behind that question that I disagree with.