Public submissions overwhelmingly oppose plans for one of New Zealand’s most expensive roading projects.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) released a report earlier this month showing 685 people submitted on the NZ Transport Agency’s $1.25 billion to $1.85b East West Link, Stuff reports.
The number of submissions opposing the project in full or in part was 582, or 85%.
The East West Link is a central Auckland roading project that aims to address transport issues between major industrial hubs.
Part of the project includes putting a four-lane road between the existing State Highway 20 Neilson St interchange in Onehunga and State Highway 1 at Mt Wellington.
The Onehunga stage has brought opposition from residents saying there has been a lack of consultation and transparency.
Submitters’ two main issues are “access concerns” and “consideration of alternatives”, the EPA report says.
Severance along the coastal edges of the East West Link is a key issue raised.
Submitters also believe alternative plans have not been appropriately considered.
“There is real concern the current NZTA proposal does not propose a cost-effective solution for a project that is essentially a foundation stone for the Onehunga community,” Jim Jackson from the Onehunga Enhancement Society says.
Jackson says there’s a lack of leadership on Onehunga’s future and that an urban development authority is needed.
“In addition to the East West Link, Auckland Transport is planning to develop the old Mangere Bridge and Panuku Development has earmarked Onehunga as the city’s next Wynyard Quarter,” Jackson says.
“That is a number of projects that inter-link and it needs to be considered how they will impact one another.”
The society has created an alternative roading plan to the NZTA’s East West Link based on consultation with community members and businesses.
There were 94 submitters in support of the proposal in full, or in part and nine submissions that were neutral.
A total of 356 submitters, or 52%, want to speak at a hearing, likely be held in June or July.
The NZTA says many of the largest distribution and logistics facilities are based in the area because it is close to state highways, rail, the airport and the port. The area employs about 68,000 people and contributes $4.6b annually to Auckland’s economy.
Transport connections are either incomplete or highly congested, the agency says. “This makes it slower and more expensive to move freight and these costs are passed on to customers.”
With freight movements expected to double by 2035, the NZTA says it’s important to start building solutions now.
“The project will provide the necessary infrastructure to unlock the restrictions to growth and support Auckland’s future prosperity.”
