Marsden Maritime is urging the Government to make speedy announcements on shovel-ready infrastructure and rail projects.
It says action is needed to enable training and to provide certainty to employers and project owners.
“Training is a challenge – if these projects are to be successful in creating jobs for long-term and recently unemployed there will need to be a period for training, cross-skilling and up-skilling,” chairman Murray Jagger says.
“Economic benefits will not be felt until the shovels come out and the work actually starts.”
Jagger says the $15 billion set aside for infrastructure should be used for long-term and sustainable economic activity.
“The decisions the government makes in the coming days will determine whether we recover gradually, or whether we surge forward with a momentum and impetus that helps us make the most of the situation we are in.
“My view is that short-term, one-off ‘make work’ projects simply won’t cut it. This is the time for those making decisions to make inspired choices; choices that will result in long-term benefit for the nation. Choices that will stimulate not only job creation, but long-term, lasting and sustainable economic activity,” Jagger says.
*Marsden Maritime is co-owner of Northport in a 50-50 split with Port of Tauranga.
