Thursday January 19, 2017
Local issues in Wellington’s southern and eastern suburbs A new year has just begun, and some of the capital’s hot topics are sure to cause debate once again throughout 2017. Reporter Nikki Papatsoumas takes a look at some of the issues Wellington’s southern and eastern suburbs are likely to face this year.
Oriental Bay
NEWTOWN
Housing is likely to be a hot topic Newtown this year. Last year, Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester announced the establishment of a Mayoral Task Force on housing to tackle the escalating issue of housing affordability in the capital. As part of its focus, the task force will examine a broad range of issues including homelessness, social housing, the future of council’s housing stock, housing affordability schemes for first home buyers, the rental market and housing density. These issues are sure to be important in Newtown.
MIRAMAR
For years, many residents close to Wellington Airport have expressed disgust and ire towards passengers and airport staff parking in the area for free, particularly on road-side berms. In 2017 parking wars will remain a hot topic for Miramar residents, with reports over New Year of tyres being slashed and let-down over the holiday break.
Hataitai
Miramar Newtown KILBIRNIE
LYALL BAY
Wellington Airport’s proposed runway extension is sure to be one of the biggest debates to hit Wellington’s eastern suburbs this year. The airport has proposed to extend its runway 350 metres south into the Cook Strait and a hearing in front of the Environment Court is set down for this year. However, Guardians of the Bay, a group set up in opposition to the proposed extension has vowed to do all in its power to see the proposal dead and buried.
Island Bay
Kilbirnie
Lyall Bay
In extreme weather events Kilbirnie is known to flood. Last year the Wellington City Council announced it would investigate ways in which to solve the issue of flooding in Kilbirnie. Local residents and business owners will surely hope the issue of flooding in the eastern suburb will continue to be explored.
Breaker Bay Strathmore BREAKER BAY
ISLAND BAY
Controversy surrounding the Island Bay cycleway continues to loom in the seaside suburb. Last year the Wellington City Council re-engaged with the community through a series of ‘Love the Bay’ workshops. Workshops were designed to put the future of the Island Bay cycleway back in the community’s hands. However, the final workshop was postponed due to last November’s quake. All eyes are now on Island Bay as a decision on the future of the Island Bay cycleway is likely to be made this year.
The issue of resilience and tsunami sirens is rife in the small community of Breaker Bay. Following last year’s earthquake the community has called for tsunami sirens to warn them of impending disaster. However, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has declared sirens as not best practice for the area. The debate is sure to continue into 2017.
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