Press Release – For immediate release

From Gary Holmes – Deputy Chairman, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board 6 April 2011

Auckland Council irresponsible and reckless

Auckland Council councillors and officials who continue to ignore the urgency of making decisions on planning for the construction of a third Waitemata Harbour crossing are at best reckless and at worst irresponsible, according to Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Deputy Chairman Gary Holmes, who is urging the Mayor and Councillors to give the matter its highest priority, rather than glossing over the issue.

Multiple reports over many years outlining the feasibility of constructing such a crossing has made it very clear that the clock is ticking and that planning must begin immediately says Mr Holmes, a long time advocate for a third crossing.

Mr Holmes said he regardless of whether the new crossing was a bridge or tunnels, comments from council officers that the crossing was not needed for 20 years missed the point that the time it would take to designate the necessary land, come up with a design, gain the necessary planning consents and build the crossing in itself would take close to 20 years.

“This debate has been ongoing since the early 80’s and we still haven’t really got to the starting gate yet”, Mr Holmes said. "The fact that the existing Harbour Bridge clip-ons may need replacing as early as 2020 is a very compelling reason why urgent decisions need to be made now, a preferred option agreed upon and public consultation begun.

"The point at issue is the strategic vulnerability of relying on one aging and already inadequate transport route. The truth is Auckland and in particular the Shore is far too reliant on a single harbour crossing," Mr Hr Holmes stated. "My fear is we have seen all this before and it has come to nothing from the lack of political will to see it through, Mr Holmes said.

"Admittedly the problems, especially those associated with financing the construction, and the potential social dislocation, are daunting but the prospects of not making a responsible effort to get it underway are far more disturbing. We must find the political will to see it through".

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