ARC will remove noise barrier

The Auckland Regional Council has decided not to appeal an Environment Court Enforcement Order to remove the noise barrier adjacent to the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens.

The ARC’s Parks and Heritage Committee today unanimously decided to comply with the Enforcement Order and remove the barrier as soon as practicable.

Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the controversy surrounding the barrier between the Botanic Gardens and the Southern Motorway has been unfortunate for all concerned.

“The ARC regrets that a well-meaning initiative to reduce noise levels in the Botanic Gardens has caused such distress to members of the local Manurewa community,” Cr Burrill says. “That was never our intention.”

“I hope that our decision not to appeal the judgement will be seen as a sign that we want to put an end to the residents’ distress as soon as possible.”

“We will continue our efforts to work with the Hill Park residents on matters relating to the Botanic Gardens and I invite them to continue to play an active role in the Gardens.”

Cr Burrill says that because the barrier is alongside the motorway, the ARC will be working closely with Transit New Zealand on a plan to remove the panels and then the posts.

“Obviously, that work may require the closure of one motorway lane and we will be relying on Transit to facilitate that.”

Under the Environment Court ruling the ARC has 42 days (from Friday 7 March) to remove the barrier.

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