MEDIA RELEASE

Hope the appeal will be resolved quickly

MAY 3, 2013.

Kapiti Coast District Council accepts some residents had sought an appeal in the High Court against the Board of Inquiry’s decision to let work on the MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka Expressway begin but it hoped the appeal would be resolved quickly.

“We understand the appeal process and we respect peoples’ right to seek an appeal. However, that being said, we have had a considerable debate over the expressway and many residents had now reached the stage where they just wanted a decision,” said Acting Mayor Roger Booth.

“We are well acquainted with the old Western Link proposal, but that debate has been had and lost. The issue of property purchases has been difficult for those involved and we appreciate that, but many have now sold up and moved, some to other parts of the country.

“We have now reached the stage where many of us just want the debate to end and to see the project begin.”

Councillor Tony Lester, who lives within site of SH1, said he had hoped there would be no further delays.

“Look, we appreciate the expressway proposal has upset some, but the reality is we want a second bridge across the Waikanae River, we want a safer highway than we have at present and we want a road that caters for future traffic flows, and that is what we are going to get.

“The expressway will bring benefits and money into the district, as well as job opportunities. Some contractors are already positioning themselves by leasing or buying houses in the area.

“The $650 million expressway will bring a considerable amount of business to the area.”

Councillor Lester said he appreciated some residents wanted their day in court, but he felt it was now time for everyone to accept the project was going to happen and move on.

ENDS

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