
RoNS reversal the first ‘right’ step, says Labour
By Alan Tristram
The Government’s decision to scale back the northernmost section of the Wellington Northern Corridor is the first right step to reining in its out of control spending on motorway projects, according to Labour’s Transport spokesperson, Phil Twyford.
He says: “It is great to see National has decided there are more cost-effective solutions than the gold-plated, four lane expressway, former Transport Minister Steven Joyce trumpeted when he announced the project.
Earlier, the Government announced its decision to abandon plans for a $400 million four-lane expressway from Otaki to Levin in favour of $100 million for upgrades to the existing highway.
This follows persistent warnings from officials to Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee that falling road tax revenues and escalating costs mean the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) are unaffordable.
It also follows comments by Mr Brownlee that the RoNS would “cost what they cost” and that falling traffic volumes don’t warrant re-consideration of the projects because “if we build it, they will come”.
But Phil Twyford says: “Now let’s hope National applies the same common sense and care with taxpayer money to the rest of the so-called Roads of National Significance .”
“National gave most of these projects—which will cost the country 12 billion over the next ten years- the green light before their economic costs and benefits had been assessed. Not surprisingly, most of them have very poor value for money.
“The rest of the transport system is being sacrificed on the altar of the RoNS.” Phil Twyford says.
“Urban public transport is not keeping pace with demand, local road maintenance is being deferred and this week KiwiRail announced 200 layoffs.
“It is time Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee took a hard look at the remaining RoNS and asked himself whether a more balanced approach would deliver better value for New Zealand.”
ENDS
In the Environment Minister’s own words….
The proposal “results or is likely to result in or contribute to significant or irreversible changes to the environment (including the global environment)”
This is a significant change in the use of land from its current state that supports numerous different activities and land uses.
Amy Adams Minister for the Environment
Minister’s Direction
http://www.epa.govt.nz
While under construction
Extensive earthworks may involve approximately 2,300,000m³ of cut converted to fill, and 350,000m³ of imported fill from local quarry suppliers. Approximately 440,000m3 of sand and peat fill will need to be transported away.
Significant engineering work is required to construct 18 principal bridge structures and a new 180m long bridge crossing the Waikanae River.
Approximately 11 construction yards will need to be set up along the route
A significant number of vehicle movements will be required to transport fill, aggregates, concrete and other construction materials.
In total, 84 landowners (excluding the Crown and the Kāpiti Coast District Council) have land that needs to be acquired in whole or part by NZTA to construct the Expressway.
A possible release of up to 16.64 tonnes of sediment across five freshwater catchments during the construction period.
And for ever more.
The Expressway proposal may involve the permanent loss of approximately 5.6 hectares of vegetation (dominated by indigenous species).
The Expressway proposal may disturb a nationally threatened bird species.
Construction work may damage 20 recorded archaeological sites located within the designation.
Construction activities will create notable modifications to the natural contours of the landscape and may physically separate waahi tapu sites, disturb koiwi tangata (human remains) or destroy waahi taonga (treasured places).
The proposed Expressway will be highly visible from many locations.
How sweet the ‘I told you so’ moments are )
Remember I said there will be no Transmission Gully or Expressway. Oh and we will be extinct by 2050.