The latest National Infrastructure Plan does not yet help businesses see where they can best invest, but it does indicate significant preparation towards this in the future, says BusinessNZ.

Yesterday the Government released the National Infrastructure Plan 2011 which reports currently reasonable outcomes in most areas of infrastructure and, in a Three-Year Action Plan, commits to developing infrastructure performance indicators, publishing a Capital Intentions Plan, debating demand pricing, and improving public access to information on infrastructure performance.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said at this stage the priorities described in the Infrastructure Plan are too high-level to provide businesses with specific information to guide investment decisions.

“Business would probably like to have seen more specifics that could lower the risks around decisions about where to locate or whether to invest in additional capacity or release project finance.

“However, some tactical elements of the strategy are being put in place – for example driving greater co-ordination within and between sectors, extending the mixed ownership model, and aligning the Capital Intentions Plan with the planning timeframe of local government. These will help bring together an integrated plan to help unlock co-ordinated investment by private and public sector investors.

“Business will be keen to see all facets of the Three-Year Action Plan delivered by 2014 and we will be working closely with the Government to help the potential that it holds to be realised,” Mr O’Reilly said.

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