Cambridge has taken a big step towards shaping its long-term transport future, with the inaugural meeting of the Cambridge Connections Community Reference Group held last night.
The group will play a key role in developing Cambridge Connections – Moving Forward Together, the 30-year transport plan for Cambridge.
Waipā District Council executive director Katie Mayes said it was a brilliant start. “There was so much excitement and energy in the room. There was a real sense that everyone was coming together to ensure that Cambridge can thrive now and into the future, and we’re fortunate that people with such a broad range of expertise were willing to put their hands up.”
Interest from the community has been high, with 52 people applying to join the group. “We were spoilt for choice, and decisions were made based on gathering a range of perspectives to make the most of the expertise, skills and local knowledge we have within our community,” she said. “We are really fortunate to have an exceptional calibre of people in our town who are deeply invested in our future.’
Members were selected to represent the breadth of the Cambridge community, from mana whenua and iwi, residents and ratepayers, to local businesses, social service and accessibility advocates, environmental groups, freight and transport operators, and developers and investors.
The group, along with an Ideas Forum and wider public engagement, will help will inform decisions made by Elected Members at key stages in the project. Community Reference Group Members are:
- Alan Garvin
- Chris Flatt
- David Cooney
- Gabby Byrne
- Graham Scott
- Ian Wilson
- Kelly Bouzaid
- Kellie Pearson
- Ngawai Hamblin
- Peter Carr
- Peter Pickett
- Phil MacKay
- Poto Davies
- Sharon Cresswell
Andrew Myers has also joined to represent the Cambridge Community Board, which will act as a ‘bridge’ between the Reference Group and Council.
The emphasis on last night’s meeting was whanaungatanga (relationships) and setting the scope. Over the next month, the group will discuss the kind of town and district they want for future generations, identify challenges and consider what will bring the greatest transport benefits to meet community aspirations.
The Ideas Forum
The Community Reference Group is not the only way the community can inform Cambridge Connections. Everyone is invited to share their expertise and bring their perspectives by signing up to the Ideas Forum: https://haveyoursay.waipadc.govt.nz/cambridge-connections/community-ideas-forum.
“We’ll be asking for the wider community’s input at key stages of the project,” said Mayes. “We already know our community has a high level of knowledge and skills and we’re looking forward to hearing ideas for how transport can enhance our growing town.”
For more information go the Cambridge Connections website.
