A proposed shared-use pathway through the Peace Street drainage reserve has been deferred indefinitely following community feedback opposing its development.
The pathway is a component of the stormwater and road safety upgrade currently underway in the Peace Street area in Whakatāne. Following concerns from neighbouring property owners, last night (Tuesday, 23 April), Council staff hosted an on-site information session, providing nearby residents the opportunity to learn more about the project overall, and ask questions about the development of the shared-use path.
Approximately thirty-five people attended the pop-in session, with almost all in support of the stormwater infrastructure improvements associated with the project. Conversely, the vast majority were strongly against the shared-use pathway component.
“Providing safe pedestrian and cyclist access and connectivity to the CBD was a key driver for the road safety aspect of this project and aligns with Council’s Active Whakatāne Strategy, which aims to make active modes of travel like walking, cycling and scootering around the district easier and safer for all ages and abilities,” says Manager Transportation Ann-Elise Reynolds.
“However that being said, our community has very clearly told us they don't want the proposed pathway through the drainage reserve, and we've listened. As a result, the McAlister/McGarvey shared-use pathway and the Peace/Pohutu connection will be deferred indefinitely.”
Ms Reynolds explains, “It’s important we’re agile and responsive to community sentiment where possible. In this case, there was strong reasoning for the initial shared-use pathway being included in the design, however for now, the community has spoken.”
All connectivity and amenity features for the proposed Peace Street work will be halted, with remaining stormwater upgrade works continuing. Council will continue to assess the area in terms of pedestrian and cyclist user connections and may look to continue this work at a later date. This aspect of the project attracted external funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency of 63%, meaning the local share raised from rates was 37% of the project cost.
It is important to note that the local share of the funds have already been raised through the 23-24 Annual Plan, so stopping this project doesn’t have an impact on the rates proposed in the 24-34 Long Term Plan. It's essential for Council to assess whether this committed funding can be used elsewhere first before the end of the financial year.
Ann-Elise says while this pathway didn’t cross the finish line, a nearby neighbourhood could benefit.
“We have a substitute project that we could potentially relocate this funding to.”
She explains, “The near ‘shovel ready’ Awatapu Off-Road Path project is an equivalent value to the deferred pathway, but recently hit the brakes following a change in Government and loss of 100% external funding.”
Council consulted with the Awatapu community last year regarding the development of a 1.9-kilometre off-road cycle and pedestrian trail. It would connect an existing off-road path to other parts of the network, completing safe travel routes to a number of schools including Allandale Primary, Trident High School, Whakatāne Intermediate and James Street School. The project also connects with the existing Awatapu Lagoon Path creating a 3.5km off-road loop for recreational use around Awatapu.
“The community was overwhelmingly in favour of this plan however, due to the change in central government, initial funding was stalled. We’ll now go away and do our homework as to whether we can transfer funds and make this project happen and will update the community in due course.”
Should Council proceed with the substitute project, 63% of the Awatapu Off-road Path will be funded Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.