24 February 2006

SH20 Proposal - Public Meeting In Waterview

After the announcement in December 2005 that the Auckland City Western Ring Route is to be completed by running the SH20 through the central, coastal suburb of Waterview, local residents and associations have united to organise a public meeting on Monday 27 February 2006 at 7.30 pm at the Waterview School Hall, 19 Oakley Avenue.

The Auckland City Council voted in favour of the SH20 through Waterview in a rushed meeting on 15 December 2005. Established in 1860, central city Waterview has some 2,000 residents, a business community, a school, a historic church and several green reserves such as Oakley Creek and Heron Park.

The community is well-known for its strong commitment and involvement in community affairs and ensuring the sustainability and protection of its tranquil environment. The proposed SH20 stands to change the community forever, putting many old residential homes, the reserves, its business, its historic sites and even the school grounds at risk of being demolished or exposed to the pollution of 10-lane traffic on its doorstep. Many believe it will destroy the peaceful central city suburb.

The community is rife with rumours. Transit claims it is distributing information, but many have received nothing. Some do not believe that the motorway rumour is true. Local interest groups and residents have therefore united in an attempt to alleviate current concerns and the absence of information by calling a public meeting.

The aim is to provide information about what is about to happen and when, what rights Auckland ratepayers have, outline the process for large scale motorway construction projects and the points where the affected community must be consulted, and to try and answer any questions locals may have.

The public meeting will be held on Monday 27 February 2006 at 7.30 pm at the Waterview School Hall, 19 Oakley Avenue. Fliers and posters are being distributed in the local community by volunteers. The initiative is supported by, among others, the following persons and associations, who may be contacted for media inquiries:

ENDS

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