This came in yesterday:
It has been recommended to the Hearings overseeing the Skypath Consent that Skypath be approved its consent. Indeed unless something new does come up the consent should be granted soon and building not long after (subject to Environment Court appeals).
Good news indeed.
Submissions for Skypath continue to be open until January 23, 2015. Information on Skypath can be found here: http://www.skypath.org.nz/
If you are like me and want to get a submission in and be “efficient” about it Generation Zero have set up an easy to do form that will be recognised as an official submission at the soon to be hearings on Skypath.
You can go here for the quick submission form: http://www.generationzero.org/skypath
I have filed my submission using that form outlining my support for Skypath. My brief summary of reasons included:
I have not requested to be heard at the eventual hearings on Skypath
I asked Generation Zero what the submission count was using their form for Skypath and as of this blog post it stood at 6,200. As a comparison only 1,500 used a Gen0 form for the Unitary Plan submissions while the Unitary Plan itself drew around 9,300 submissions total (not including further submissions). Could the submission count for Skypath top 10,000? We shall soon see. Submissions close January 23.
The Prime Minister, and Mayor Len Brown opened the Grafton Gully Cycleway this morning.
While I was not there I have seen plenty of photos of the event (when Spark does not keep dropping my internet out). One thing that caught my attention was this:
The Prime Minister has endorsed Skypath which is better than the two North Shore National Electorate MP’s as well as Ward Councillor George Wood who all seem to be trying to throw spanners into Skypath’s progress
I asked what did it mean when the PM endorsed Skypath and it was said:
So nothing full committal but if National gets their Third Term the Government might via NZTA give some assistance in getting Skypath built. That is fine whether the Government fully funds it or sticks with the Public Private Partnership which means a toll, I am not particular fussed.
But good to see the PM come out and have a ride down the Cycleway after which he gave a warm response to Skypath.
As they say: “Good things take time”
Note: I will be watching and moderating comments to this particular post. You may pass a general comment or critique SkyPath with sound evidence. Trolling or abuse (such as seen at a particular Northcote meeting recently) will not be tolerated. The Rules are there to allow thoughtful debate.
Resource Consent lodged for SkyPath |
August 20, 2014
The charitable trust behind the SkyPath project is celebrating the lodgment of SkyPath’s Resource Consent application.
AHB Pathway Trustee Alex Swney says “SkyPath is the link to enable safe and pleasant walking and cycling between the North Shore and the heart of the City, it’s what every other international harbour city has. We’re excited to see Waterfront Auckland’s walking and cycling promenade through Westhaven under construction and welcome NZTA’s advice that they plan to have the ‘SeaPath’ link to Takapuna built in time for SkyPath.”
Project Director Bevan Woodward says “This is a marvelous example of what a community initiative can achieve. We’ve developed a professional and comprehensive solution for a complex and challenging environment. It’s taken longer than expected but our Resource Consent team have been very thorough in considering all the issues and there have been many stakeholders to engage with.”
AHB Pathway Trustee Christine Rose says “This is a huge milestone, it’s all about making SkyPath a reality, a reality that is generations overdue. It will transform our Harbour Bridge from a ‘vehicles only’ motorway crossing to a bridge that represents a more accessible and sustainable Auckland.”
Andy Smith, Trustee and President of Living Streets Aotearoa said “This is a great step that connects the shores of the Waitematā and makes Auckland a more walkable city.”
The Trust has requested that the Resource Consent application be fully notified to ensure all interested parties can provide their input. The process for public notification will be confirmed by Auckland Council in due course.
—-ends—-
More on Skypath can be found here: http://www.skypath.org.nz/
While away on holiday in Australia I had noticed that the SkyPath project had updated their website and posted a public notice meeting on the North Shore tomorrow night at 6pm (ouch as main rush hour is still happening at that time).
You can check the much more easier to read SkyPath website over at skypath.org.nz – with the public notice invitation below:
I am still pondering in making the trek to The Shore tomorrow as it means I have to leave Papakura at 4:30 to battle State Highway One traffic (fun – not)
However might be a good idea to trundle along to see where opinion is currently at
To Fund and Build a Sky Path – Or Not That is the (Multi) Million Dollar Question As I made mention in my “I LOVE COMMITTEES” I am off … Continue reading Auckland Harbour Bridge – Sky Path
Talking Southern Auckland 
