Cambridge Connections project delivery ‘largely correct’, according to independent review

Friday, 16 August 2024

Waipa mayor Susan O'Regan talks to resident Murray Reid at a transport hui in March that had to be abandoned.

An independent review into the Cambridge Connections transport project has found “opportunities for improvement”, but that the process followed was “largely correct”.

Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan had called for the probe into the project, which focuses on the development of a business case to attract NZ Transport Agency funding, in the wake of a fractious meeting back in March which saw a district council drop-in session shut down 50 minutes early.

About 150 people turned up for the Cambridge event, which involved displays and residents asking council staff about the proposals. That included an “emerging preferred option” involving a new bridge between the town and Leamington.

But a Q&A session fronted by transportation manager Bryan Hudson became heated and there were a number of testy exchanges.

At one point, O’Regan called for staff to be respected.

When feedback opened in March, the community was quick to voice concerns about their lack of involvement in the development of options, and the proposed location for a third bridge.

Victoria Bridge in Cambridge is expected to close to vehicle traffic if a new crossing is built.

The original four-week feedback period was extended to May, and proposed bridge locations taken off the table, as a result of the strong community sentiment.

At the time of announcing the review, O’Regan said it would be an important reset for both the council, and the community, given it was a 30-year journey they would be on together.

The review report forms part of the agenda for next Tuesday’s Service Delivery Committee meeting.

Among the key findings from the review it was found there was a need for more detailed engagement planning alongside steps in the business case “to help with the delivery of key messages and to reduce risk”.

The review also found the timing and release of the option information was brought forward when the engagement was shifted by council from a Long Term Plan to an Enhanced Annual Plan process.

This potentially resulted in a “faster” process with limited time for a “more meaningful” engagement programme.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the committee will consider community feedback and key themes before making a decision on how to proceed with the business case.

If approval is given for it to progress, the business case could be completed by December this year.

There would be further opportunities for the community to have their say before it is submitted to the New Zealand Transport Agency in early 2025, seeking funding for any future steps.