Waterview connection a win for local communities

The draft report by the Board of Inquiry on the extension of State Highway 20 strikes a good balance between meeting the needs of the local community, and the wider objectives of the road, says Labour’s MP for Mt Albert David Shearer.

The $2 billion project, which yesterday received draft consent, will complete Auckland’s north-western motorway corridor.

"The Owairaka and Waterview communities have waited patiently for the completion of this inquiry after a lot of hard work and stress over the past few years. This report is testament to their tenacity and passion for their communities’ futures,” David Shearer said.

“The draft report shows the Board has listened to local communities’ and their concerns about how the motorway will shape their future practically and aesthetically. Any additional cost for mitigation will be only in the order of 1 to 2 per cent of the overall bill for the project

“The suggestion to shift the exhaust stacks away from Waterview Primary School, and to make modifications to the operation buildings, go some way to easing the visual impact for surrounding communities.

“Enhancing green areas and the inclusion of bridges and cycle ways will mean that communities remain interconnected.

“I see the New Zealand Transport Agency has also welcomed the draft report. That is a positive sign and one which I hope signals that there will be no further appeal which could delay and water-down the conditions awarded to local communities.

“Having taken part in the proceedings and given evidence to the Board, I was particularly impressed by its approach which, given the extremely rushed nature of the proceedings, came through for local communities,” David Shearer said.