26 April 2005

Western Corridor Transportation Study: Consultation on initial scenarios

A month-long round of consultation on the Western Corridor Transportation Study kicks off next week. The consultation process will involve public information days as well as an opportunity for written comment.

The Western Corridor Transportation Study Report, released on 20th April, presents five scenarios (as attached) - each scenario contains a different mix of transportation measures which will address transport issues in the Western Corridor.

Greater Wellington Regional Council and Transit New Zealand – joint sponsors of the Study – are now seeking public comment on the five scenarios.

The Study report, a summary brochure, feedback form and supporting documentation will be available on the Greater Wellington Regional Council website: www.gw.govt.nz/westerncorridor from 30 April 2005.

Printed copies of the summary brochure and feedback form will be available free of charge from the offices of Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council and Kapiti Coast District Council from Monday 2 May 2005

The closing date for feedback is Tuesday 31st May 2005.

Public information days will be held at four venues during May and Study Project Team members will be on hand to answer questions and clarify any details about the alternative scenarios.

All feedback received will be reported to Greater Wellington Regional Council and Transit New Zealand and will be used to assist the Study Project Team to develop a preferred package. The preferred package will then be presented as the Proposed Western Corridor Plan which will be the subject of a formal process of public submissions and hearings later in 2005.

Greater Wellington Regional Land Transport Committee Chair Cr Terry McDavitt says this round of consultation will provide further information on the five scenarios. “This round of consultation will give the public an opportunity to express their views and preferences about the mix of elements they think will deliver the best outcomes for the region. “We fully expect that there will be a wide range of views on both the preferred options and how these should be prioritised.

Feedback received from the public will help shape our thinking about the preferred package which will probably be made up of elements from most, if not all, scenarios.” Transit New Zealand Chief Executive Rick van Barneveld expects there will be a lot of interest in the Study report and says the consultation process is an important opportunity for public comment.

“Selecting the preferred package will require some tough choices. The costs and risks associated with the key alternatives are high and I hope people will take this opportunity to express their views and preferences”.

ENDS

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