Let’s move forward on Cambridge Connections together, says Waipā Mayor

There were some tough lessons learned, but a refreshed Cambridge Connections is taking shape.

“Now is the time for the council and the community to move forward on the Cambridge Connections transport project together,” says Mayor Susan O’Regan.

Her statement comes following a public workshop last week in which elected members undertook a comprehensive debrief of earlier phases of the project. Elected members were also asked to outline their expectations for community involvement, with a detailed project and communication and engagement plan due for adoption in August.

O’Regan said the debrief workshop was an important step in the refresh of the 30-year project and repeated her acknowledgement last November of the hurt that was caused during earlier phases of the project.

“To be effective community leaders we need to acknowledge we made mistakes, reflect on that, understand what can be done better, and then apply those learnings to the project going forward.”

A key refresh milestone, O’Regan said, was the appointment of Katie Mayes as Executive Director. Mayes brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and infrastructure planning, having previously been responsible for strategically planning the national land transport system, including funding and prioritising investments.

Under Mayes’ leadership the project has gained fresh momentum, and the workshop reaffirmed the council had a shared commitment to delivering a transport plan that met the evolving needs of a growing community.

"We’re committed to thoughtfully considering a broad range of perspectives,” O’Regan said. "It will be an integrated planning process."

Mayes said the Cambridge Connections project was more than just a transport plan. “The plan will be aligned with growth outcomes and community aspirations, ensuring a more integrated, sustainable, and future-focused transport network” she said.

“While some of the aspects of the project, such as the technical deliverables, will remain the same as before, there are others such as our engagement approach that will be very different.”

The council remains committed to exploring all options to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic pressures within Cambridge. The inclusion of north-facing ramps at the intersection of Waikato Expressway and Tirau Road will continue to be a topic of discussion as the project progresses.

Mayes said the project plan will be developed to include a clear engagement framework and information around what decisions will be made, when, and by who. This will be considered by the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee on Wednesday, August 6.

For more information on the Cambridge Connections project, visit Cambridge Connections – Moving forward together | Have your say Waipā.