17 June, 2015

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board welcomes East West progress

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board is welcoming good progress being made on the East West Connections – citing the proposed link between State Highways 1 and 20 as crucial to the economic viability of this key industrial hub.

East West Connections is a joint New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Transport (AT) programme to improve freight efficiency, commuter travel, public transport and walking and cycling options over the next 30 years.

The project focuses on Onehunga, Mt Wellington, Otahuhu, Penrose, Mangere and East Tamaki - an industrial hub that employs over 130,000 people and generates more than $10 billion a year in GDP.

The local board will continue working with lead agencies to ensure the views of local residents and the business community are fully considered.

Says board chair Simon Randall: “We’re keen to ensure the best community outcomes arise from finalised designs for a high-functioning freight corridor as well as much improved walking and cycling connections.

“On the environmental front, we want to ensure that this project leads to bold improvements in the Mangere inlet’s environment; and that the current flows of pollution into the Manukau Harbour are addressed.”

“We are also keen to see that other potential benefits of such a proposal are dully considered. Key priorities here include the undergrounding of high voltage power lines, co-locating the Onehunga bus and rail interchanges, and future proofing for rail to the airport.

Simon Randall says it is pleasing to note that NZTA and AT in coming days will conduct open days on the preferred option. The board has offered its support for these.

Open day dates and locations are:
· Saturday 20 June – 3-6pm - Onehunga Café, 259 Onehunga Mall

· Thursday 25 June – 6-10 pm - Onehunga Night Markets, Dress-Smart, 151 Arthur Street

· Saturday 27 June – 9am-2pm - Māngere Town Centre, 93 Bader Drive (outside the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Office)

· Saturday 4 July – 3-6pm - Onehunga Café, 259 Onehunga Mall.

Ends

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