Time needed to do Cambridge Connections project justice

More time will be taken to consider the next steps for the Cambridge Connections transport project following ‘rich community feedback’ and a strong desire to take the community on the journey.

The decision was made to undertake a ‘major reset’ of the project at a meeting of Waipā District Council’s Service Delivery Committee on Tuesday, in which members were asked to consider the findings of an independent review into the delivery of the project, and next steps.

The Council had sought feedback from the community earlier this year as part of the process of developing a business case to reduce traffic demand and provide better and more transport options. However, the community had strong reservations about the process and a proposed location for a third bridge was met with huge angst.

This resulted in any future bridge locations being taken off the table, and Mayor Susan O’Regan calling for an independent review of the project.

O’Regan said the issue of a third bridge had been a hot topic in Waipā and Cambridge for decades and the review was in recognition that the process had not gone as well as the Council had hoped.

“We also wanted to reflect on how to do things better, and to reset the project, with a focus on taking the community on the journey with us.

“The review findings are helpful, and I would like to think they stand us in good stead as we move this project forward, and for other projects.”

The reset was an opportunity to move the project ahead collaboratively.

“Our community has shared some awesome, rich, informed ideas that we need time to consider. We also need to rethink how this project is governed, and ensure we take heed of the recommendations in the review,” O’Regan said

“To do that properly, we need more time. It is an important part of the puzzle that will set the direction of the Cambridge Connections project into the future.”

“Council doesn’t have a monopoly on all the good ideas. Clearly, this community feedback shows us we need to be doing more to involve our communities with this business case – in particular, when it comes to a future bridge location,” O’Regan said.

“We’re taking a strategic pause to ensure the project team progresses this piece of work with room for community input on all levels.”

Staff will now undertake further work on the project, and report back to the committee in due course.

“This isn’t a sprint – it’s a 30-year marathon. We need to ensure all the prep work has been done well, so we are better set up for success in the future.”