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Wake-up call

I suspect there is a range of motivations behind the recent motion of no confidence in Let’s Get Wellington Moving by six independent city councillors.

For some, it will reflect their complete dissatisfaction in LGWM’s progress, shared by many Wellingtonians. Supporters of the tripartite initiative initially welcomed the prospect of joinedup, non-political development and delivery of long-overdue transport infrastructure, particularly to support new housing along key transport routes.

However, after an agreed-in-principle way forward in May 2019, all we’ve seen since then is round after round of consultation, one pedestrian crossing,

some minor changes in the CBD and the start of a roundabout of questionable value on Aotea Quay.

Other signatories to the no-confidence motion appear to want to further stymie progress because the likely proposed works, including light rail, cycle lanes or reduced parking, don’t suit their agendas.

Some councillors have stated that there is nothing in LGWM for the northern or western suburbs. This belies the fact that light rail would vastly improve travel through the CBD and Newtown, reducing car use and affording Wellingtonians of all suburbs the opportunity to more easily access the regional hospital and the Basin Reserve schools.

Whatever the motivation, the noconfidence motion should be a wake-up call to the mayor, regional council chair and all the managers involved, to ‘‘pull finger’’, make some firm decisions and really start to get Wellington moving – safely, sustainably and cost-effectively. Chris Calvi-Freeman, Hataitai

Opinion

en-nz

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuff.pressreader.com/article/281852942951915

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