14 August 2006

Community calls heard by council

Auckland City's first meeting to listen to the community views regarding Transit New Zealand's plans to complete State Highway 20's Waterview connection, was an overwhelming success last week.

The Eden Albert Community Board listened to the views of around 75 local residents and community group members regarding Transit's Waterview connection.

Key concerns raised by attendees at the community meeting included tunnelling the motorway extension, motorway interchanges and their impact on the local road network, further passenger transport options and maintaining open space.

Transit announced at the meeting that it would investigate more tunnelling for the Waterview connection.

"We are pleased Transit's considering more tunnelling along the motorway extension's length. It demonstrates they are listening to our community and are committed to making decisions that minimise impact," says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the council's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee. Auckland City will continue to work with Transit to help shape the Waterview connection to ensure the motorway extension is completed by 2015 as planned.

"Auckland City supports Transit's motorway project development and we will continue to assist with investigations that benefit the community and provide opportunities for improvements to local roads, including providing more passenger transport infrastructure," says Mr Simpson.

The public have two more opportunities to present their views to Auckland City's community boards. Another community meeting with the Avondale Community Board will be held tonight at the Waterview Primary School hall.

ENDS

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