“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, slips are likely to become more common, and repairing the road would be very expensive, with no guarantee of a permanent fix.”
There are also ecological and cultural considerations to be mindful of, says Calum.
The land is adjacent to Pukewhanake, a historical pā, which has been heavily impacted by the construction of this part of Te Puna Station Rd and the hapū see its closure as an opportunity to recognise the significance of Pukewhanake.
“An ecological assessment has also identified that construction works to reinstate the road would have temporary and permanent effects on the river, including sedimentation, injury to or loss of wildlife, and loss of native tree species.”
Permanent closure is one of three options outlined for Te Puna Station Rd in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, which is open for consultation until 5pm, June 17.
Other options are to reopen the road in both directions, at an estimated cost of $5 million, plus ongoing maintenance costs of $100,000 a year, or to reopen the road to one-way traffic, at an initial cost of $2m, followed by maintenance costs of $50,000 a year.
“If the road is reopened, it is likely to require significant ongoing costs to council, and the community, which is something we want to avoid,” says Calum.
“However, we recognise that closing the road will impact the Te Puna community, including the business park and Clarke Rd residents, and we plan to address this through upgrades to other roads in the area.”
Contact the council with your view:
- Via www.haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/LTP
- Hard copy: Form from library and service centres in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke or at the council on Barkes Corner, Greerton
- In person: At community events
- Email: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz with the subject line LTP Submission
- Present your views: Council chambers on June 26. Contact council for timeslot.
