Agreement reached: Shared Path clears unexpected hurdle

A potential fly in the ointment of the Eastern Bays Shared Path's long-awaited kickoff was cleared this week, thanks to mediation through the Environment Court.

Resource consent for construction of the 4.4km path was granted in early March. However, last month local resident Geoff Rashbrooke, supported by others, lodged an appeal opposing the consent.

The grounds for the appeal were that the 70km/h speed limit is a considerable risk to health and safety, and that relocation of bus stops at Sunshine, Mahina, York, Lowry Bays and Point Howard and their proposed reconfiguration will reduce and not increase use of public transport. The appeal said the decision was contrary to applicable stated objectives.

The Eastbourne Community Board, Hutt City Council and some local residents opposed the appeal, and all parties were able to reach agreement on Wednesday, paving the way for the path's construction to start later this year.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ECB said: "The Eastbourne Community Board (ECB) and many, if not most Eastbourne residents, were delighted when the Eastern Bays Shared Path project was consented in early March. The project has been a dream of Eastbourne residents for several decades. Only 5 of the 200 submissions received on the project opposed its construction. Its benefits are many and include safety for cyclists and pedestrians, the environmental and health benefits of an alternative transport mode, connectivity with other cycle trails, cultural and ecological benefits and resilience and coastal protection.

Parties could appeal the consent, which initiates a process through the Environment Court that can potentially take many months.

This is what happened with the consent for the Eastern Bays Shared Path. A resident filed an objection based on concerns about road speed, bus stop location and the design of the general project. All 200 of the original submitters were notified, and 13 filed to become a party to the proceedings so they could present submissions and evidence at a subsequent hearing. Six parties initially supported the appeal. Seven parties, including the ECB, opposed the resident’s appeal.

We are pleased to report that mediation in the Environment Court between the parties has been successful. The next stage in the project is now bay-by-bay consultation, where residents can discuss details of the path.

The project is currently estimated to cost $30 million, made up of $7.5 million from Hutt City Council (HCC), $7.5 million from Waka Kotahi (NZTA), and $15 million from the Government’s Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The project is entirely dependent on the $15 million ‘shovel-ready’ fund. That money comes with the condition that the project construction must start by 21 September this year, so it is a relief that the appeal has been resolved early.

We thank the residents who gave up their time to support the process through the Environment Court."

HCC Senior Project Engineer Simon Cager says appeals are part of the community process that the RMA allows.

"Consultation has been wide-ranging and sustained over the past two to three years. Engagement with the community is a priority and will continue as the project progresses through to completion."

A Letter to the Editor from Geoff Rashbrooke can be read on Page 7 of this edition of The Eastbourne Herald.