17 May 2013

No word yet on Christchurch anchor projects

10:00 am on 17 May 2013

The 2013 Budget was silent on funding for the anchor projects planned as part of the rebuild of central Christchurch.

That was despite an extra $2.1 billion being pledged for a new hospital and other rebuild work.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee acknowledges the importance of central and local government taking the lead so that private investors feel confident about spending their money, and says a decision is close.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says an announcement should be made before the end of June but both parties have different ideas on how big the projects should be and where they should be sited.

He says the Government wants to spend more than the council does.

Mr Parker says the rest of the country should end up sharing in the jobs and money that flow from the rebuild.