Trucks to remain in CBD

TICK FOR TRUCKS: a combination of feedback about banning trucks from the CBD and investigations into current alternatives has seen the proposed bylaw scrapped. TC120808DT06

More investigation of Western Arterial feasibility wanted

Waipa District Council has resolved to not proceed with the proposed heavy trucks bylaw after taking into account strong community feedback opposing it.

The proposed bylaw, which would have seen heavy trucks banned from the main street between the hours of 9am and 5pm, seven days a week, was aimed at alleviating concerns from some sectors of the community about noise and safety.

However, after an extensive consultation process in which Council received 185 submissions, a 700-signature petition and 35 people asking to be heard at the hearing, the message was clear — the bylaw was not the best outcome.

Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston thanks all members of the public who participated in the process.

‘‘The community has spoken, and Council has responded. Integral to the heavy trucks bylaw was Mutu Street being a workable bypass for heavy trucks from all directions and which necessitated a major upgrade to the Mutu Street-Ohaupo Road (SH3) intersection. Detailed engineering investigation subsequently proved this was not achievable so we could not provide the trucks with a viable alternative. This means that trucks will continue to use Alexandra Street as a thoroughfare until a permanent solution can be found that takes heavy vehicles out of the main street without impacting on residential areas.’’

As part of this process, Council agreed with another strong community message in the submissions which was to carry out detailed investigation and costings of the western bypass option.

‘‘Many submitters saw this as the only workable alternative to the main street, but there are major cost implications. It is important to have better cost estimates for the bypass so we can weigh up the cost and benefits in Te Awamutu’s strategic planning. Also, we can convey to ratepayers what impact it would have on their rates. It is important to have everything at the ready should there be any future change in Government funding support as was the case with Kihikihi sewerage,’’ Mr Livingston says.

Community feedback has also seen the prioritisation of other projects reviewed. The proposed major upgrade of Alexandra Street has been reduced to streetscape refurbishments to improve appearance and functionality. An outdoor pool is not seen as an achievable goal and has been removed, while the Walk of Fame and extension of Pioneer Walk are programmed to commence in the 2008/09 year.

Importantly, sites for the cultural/heritage centre, playground and community health centre have been determined.

‘‘This is a very important step for Council to take as it provides interested organisations with surety, that they can make a start on progressing and fundraising for their respective projects. I see the proposed cultural and heritage centre, along with the Te Awamutu Events Centre as being very much focal points of the town,’’ Mr Livingston says.

He looks forward to seeing various projects get underway in the next few years.

‘‘This is a 10 year plan for the development of the Te Awamutu CBD; it won’t be all happening in one or two years. The projects do have to fit in with funding and resources available, and it will be exciting to see the various projects come together in the future.’’