Long list of transport ideas endorsed
The Cambridge community has spoken, and now the hard work begins.
Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee has today endorsed a long list of transport ideas containing short, medium, and long term solutions to Cambridge’s transport problems.
The list was compiled following six weeks of community engagement. The council heard from iwi partners, schools and young people, senior service groups and clubs, social services, business groups, freight logistics and transport operations, civic and community organisations, health, and energy suppliers, as well as the wider public, during Stage Two of the Cambridge Connections project.
“Today we've reached an important milestone with the release of the Cambridge Connections long list,” said Deputy Mayor Jo Davies-Colley, who chaired the meeting.
“This stage is pretty exciting, putting all possible options on the table to improve how people move around Cambridge, now and into the future. We haven't made any decisions yet, this is part of a structured process that will narrow options down, and, ultimately, find the best solutions for us all,” she said.
“It’s great to see strong community interest so far - we've heard from residents, mana whenua, businesses, and stakeholders, and they are all helping shape the next stage.”
The long list was compiled from 578 pieces of feedback containing 1522 ideas. The project webpage was viewed 4788 times, and the council collected 386 online submissions.
Stage One saw the community define the town’s transport problems.
Cambridge Connections Executive Director Katie Mayes said the long list was a result of a joint effort between stakeholders including the Cambridge Community Board and the Cambridge Connections Community Reference Group.
“It’s been an amazing process of engagement,” said Cambridge Connections Community Reference Group co-chair Chris Flatt as he stepped down from the role to pursue a career in national politics.
“There’s lots more work to do going forward. I would encourage decision-makers to lean on the information that has already come from the community, and encourage the community to continue to contribute to the ongoing process.”
About half the ideas were about the council making the most of existing infrastructure which is generally the most practical and cost effective way to address issues. About quarter of the ideas were about building new infrastructure.
Public transport services related to 26.1 percent of responses which focused on making daily travel more workable without relying only on private cars.
Ideas on freight from 28.2 percent of responders focused on getting heavy vehicles out of the town centre and on to more suitable routes, with suggestions on about designated freight corridors, restrictions in residential town streets, and new bypass or bridge options for large vehicles.
Ideas for improving connections across the Waikato River were also collected from 37.2 percent of responders, who focused on adding new river crossing capacity.
The committee also approved assessment criteria today. These include investment objectives, supporting growth and urban development, cost and value for money, feasibility, and impacts.
