Press Release
Friday 25 July 2008
Michael Williams, Manukau City Councillor, Botany-Clevedon

Council to Community Board: Rethink Road Closure
Council to Council Staff: Give Community More Say

Manukau City Council last night voted unanimously to send the decision on closing a section of the Omana Esplanade back to the Clevedon Community Board for further consultation and consideration.

Botany-Clevedon Councillor Michael Williams had moved a notice of motion that a referendum be held in the Beachlands - Maraetai area to determine the level of public support for the closure of the section of the Omana Esplanade Road.

Mr Williams also asked that a deputation be received consisting of Mr Bill Bateman of Greypower, Mr Keith Walker of Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. and Mr Mike Stuart of the PCCA each of whom who spoke on the walkway issue.

In response to concerns expressed to him by Community Board Member Lance Gedge and PCCA member Kane Glass, Councillor Williams also asked that council consider a further motion, subsequently moved by Councillor David Collings, that due to the sensitivity of the coastal environment and the keen interest of the community, any further works required in respect of the Maraetai to Pine Harbour Walkway be subject to a notified resource consent. This was also passed unanimously by council.

Although the council voted against a referendum on the Omana Esplanade Road Closure in a knife edge decision of 7 votes to7 with Acting Mayor Troup using his casting vote against, Councillor Williams says that the message of the councillors voting against the referendum to the community board was clear. “We don’t need a referendum, we can see that the community doesn’t want to close the road.”

Councillors voting for the referendum were Crs Williams, Quax, Stewart, Ross, Newman, Taylor and Wichman

Councillor Williams says he is very happy with the outcome which he believes addresses the issues raised by the community in relation to the Maraetai to Pine Harbour walkway.

ENDS

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