At 7pm on Monday night at the Morrison Hall, next to the RSA, a group of residence were called together to talk about the State Highway improvements and the effects these improvements would have on them.

The meeting was called by the WDC and headed by Jeff Devine, and there were three councillors present, Cr. Merv Williams, Cr. Brian McLachlan and soon to be Cr. Aaron Edwards.  Approx 34 people from the community came to listen, and find out more, but an air of distrust seemed to in the room last night, as the more Jeff talked the more frustrated the people got.

When asked if the plans were set in concrete, the answer came back as Yes they were, as the plans were done by the NZTA and the WDC then had to make things work on the local roads.

Cr. Merv Williams, tried to rest the group at ease, by stating that he and Aaron will look after the people and make sure that their concerns would be herd.  This did not seem to subdue the group, as they had felt as though they were being walked over by both NZTA and WDC.

When asked if the public could make a submission to NZTA or the WDC, Jeff and the councillors went quiet.  As the submissions were presently being heard for the Wilson Ave to Central Ave upgrades (refer to http://www.cocurullo.co.nz/vinceonline/node/48), and the submissions for the upgrading of the intersection of State Highway 1 and 14, has just been extended due to the residence along North Street not having the ability to make submissions in time.

Only the State Highway section that was dealing with Mander Park (Wilson to Central Ave) was publicly notified as it was dealing with the removal of trees and land off the public.  Even though the State Highway 1 & 14 intersection upgrade, is removing a large old Oak Tree, this section is not publicly notified, and was only notified to those adjoining the State Highway along that section.

When asked has the Emergency Services been approached about the planned changed to the State Highway, Jeff also stated No.

So where to now?  If you live in the area that accesses Cheviot Street through to Central Ave, you need to make submissions to the Whangarei District Council NOW about the upgrades, even if you agree with the planned changes.

If you want to know more about the planned changes to the State Highway contact Jeff Devine at the Whangarei District Council 09 4304200.