Wellington City Council responds to Basin flyover decision

The Wellington City Council is analysing today’s decision of Environmental Protection Agency’s Board of Inquiry to decline the proposed Basin Reserve flyover.

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester says the flyover proposal has been a vexed issue for Wellington communities from the time the flyover was first proposed through to the Board of Inquiry process.

“It’s well known our Council had significant concerns about whether the proposed flyover offered the best outcomes for the city, which was why we pushed for significant mitigation measures if it were to have gone ahead,” says Cr Lester.

“I acknowledge the differences of views held by many people and it’s appropriate to thank those who participated in the process and made their views known, and the Board for conducting a thorough enquiry into the flyover.

“From here we will need to work constructively with our communities and government agencies to find a publically acceptable solution to the traffic congestion issues in this area,” he says.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the Wellington City Council will be analysing the decision and potential impacts on the future of the Wellington transport network.

“Just as the Council has found, the flyover proposal presented the Board of Inquiry a complex issue of urban design and transport, including public transport,” says the Mayor.

“It is now time to get on and make the best of our role in improving all aspects of traffic to reduce congestion, including better walking, cycling, and public transport.”

Wellington City Council’s Transport and Urban Development Committee Chair, Councillor Andy Foster says “Council will be talking to NZTA and the Greater Wellington Regional Council to map out the future of the Wellington transport network in light of today’s decision.

“The fact the hearing went for so long, and that all parties were given such generous time to present and challenge evidence, was a sign that the required consent was never guaranteed,” he says.

Ends

© Scoop Media