18 April 2005
Huge response to Greater ChCh Urban Development Strategy
The release of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy for public consultation has received an overwhelming
response in just the first week.
Over 1000 feedback forms have been filled out and received, showing that the strategy has hit a chord with residents in
the greater Christchurch area. People are keen to have their say on the future of their city and how it plans to
accommodate population growth in the next 30 to 40 years.
“I think the response has been fantastic,” says Greater Christchurch UDS Forum chairman and Banks Peninsula mayor Bob
Parker.
“The responses are exceeding expectations and I think, shows how passionate people are about the future of the greater
Christchurch area and the likely impact of growth on their communities.”
Mr Parker says the interest boded well for the community meetings being planned for May but debate would heat up even
more at the free Mayoral Forum tomorrow night at the Christchurch Art Gallery, from 7.30pm, which was open to the
public.
Auckland Regional Councillor Dr Joel Cayford will speak at the Mayoral Forum about the Greater Auckland experience and
lessons that Christchurch should learn from its northern counterpart’s mistakes.
The biggest supporters of growth are usually mayors and property developers, while the biggest losers are usually
ratepayers and the environment, Dr Cayford says.
“Some development is necessary, but the days of rampant sprawl and the creation of lonely low-cost housing subdivisions
where everybody needs a car to do anything, needs to end.
“Auckland is not a shining beacon and Christchurch can learn from our mistakes,” he says.
The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy is being considered by the Greater Christchurch Urban Development
Forum which comprises the Waimakariri, Selwyn and Banks Peninsula district councils, Environment Canterbury, Transit New
Zealand and the Christchurch City Council and other business and community stakeholders.
ENDS