A computer-generated image shows what the proposed Skypath cycleway and pedestrian footbridge could look like. Photo / Supplied
A computer-generated image shows what the proposed Skypath cycleway and pedestrian footbridge could look like. Photo / Supplied
The creator of an anti-SkyPath video has compared the project with the Pike River Mine disaster. She said if you don't plan for disaster you're asking for one.
But the SkyPath project director says safety concerns raised in the video were addressed when the proposed cycle path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge was granted resource consent.
Today, a group representing residents at the southern end of the path withdrew its appeal of the resource consent at the Environment Court.
Two associations left battling SkyPath claim to represent the people of Northcote, but of the 382 submissions from the suburb last year, less than a third were opposed.
The Northcote Residents Association (NRA) last week set up a Givealittle page asking for donations to help pay for legal fees incurred contesting SkyPath.
So far, the appeal has garnered $560, including two donations from association members.
One of the donations was from Janette Miller who also gave permission for the group to put on the Givealittle page a video she made using footage of the Bike the Bridge event as evidence of why the project was dangerous.
Ms Miller, who is not a member of the NRA but lives in Northcote Point, said the video proved there were "genuine safety concerns" with fitting up to 2000 people an hour into an enclosed tube attached to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Another concern was what would happen if there was an emergency on the path and people needed to evacuate quickly.
Ms Miller compared the safety planning for the project to the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion which killed 29 people.
"If somebody had done the safety planning on Pike River, that disaster would never have happened. You have to do safety planning. If you don't plan for it, you deserve the disaster."
But Ms Miller's seven-minute video has disappointed organiser of the Bike the Bridge, Callum McNair, who has asked her to not use footage from his event to further her cause.
Mr McNair was unhappy it could be construed they supported her message.
"I just think it's pretty untidy from an ethical point of view."
However, Ms Miller told the Herald she was allowed to use the footage because it was taken on public property and it provided such strong evidence against SkyPath that she would not take it down.
SkyPath project director Bevan Woodward said Ms Miller's safety concerns were addressed at a hearing before a panel of independent commissioners last year, who granted resource consents after considering expert transport, engineering and safety evidence.
If requested, the SkyPath team will address the same issues at the Environment Court.
Meanwhile, the Herne Bay Residents Association Incorporated has withdrawn its appeal because it believes the project is not feasible so will not "see the light of day". Therefore, its efforts were "a waste of time and money".
The group's co-chair Christine Cavanagh said as a responsible organisation it did not intend to waste residents' money on an "unnecessary appeal" that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
