Waipā already has an amazing network of purpose-built cycleways. These much-loved assets provide safe areas for families, recreational cyclists and walkers to use while promoting physical health.
Cycleways also support the local economy by bringing more visitors to our district to explore for longer periods of time.
We have fantastic opportunity to expand the current network to showcase other parts of the district to residents and visitors.
A cycling route between Te Awamutu and Pirongia, via Lake Ngā Roto has the potential to showcase some of the district's most significant natural and cultural sites, encouraging visitors to stay longer.
We’ve been working closely with landowners along our preferred route asking for public access on their properties so cyclists can pass through.
We’ve also worked with iwi to identify opportunities beyond Te Ara Wai Journeys to share stories of cultural and historical significance that cyclists could access on their ride.
You supported our preferred option to develop section two of the cycleway between Lake Ngā Roto and Pirongia via Macky Access.
Two issues were highlighted during consultation; the safety of users and allowing access to horses.
The option via Macky Access is the safest option for cyclists, with the majority of the track being off-road. The proposed route will also go through a safety audit before construction begins. Access for horses was considered, but will not be included in this section of cycleway.
The project will include a two metre wide path, mostly off road and will require additional funding of $3,275,832.
OPTION 1Construct an on-road alignment, via Pirongia Road. |
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OPTION 2Construct an off-road alignment, via Macky Access |
OPTION 3Construct an on-road alignment, via Paterangi Road |
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This option:
But:
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This option:
But:
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This option:
But:
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COST: |
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COST: |
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COST: |
$3,456,750 with $2,608,650 external funding
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$4,363,456 with $3,275,832 external funding
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$3,666,250 with $2,766,750 external funding
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impact on rates: |
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impact on rates: |
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Impact on rates: |
$34,518 per annum from year 4 onwards
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$44,267 per annum from year 4 onwards
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$36,610 per annum from year 4 onwards
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Impact on debt: |
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Impact on debt: |
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Impact on debt: |
$848,100
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$1,087,624
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$899,500
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In summary: |
In summary: |
In summary: |
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To sum up, while this options provides wellbeing benefits, the community would be compromising on safety. Cyclists wouldn’t be able to enjoy as many environmental features that are unique to Waipā, and it diverts away from some cultural and heritage sites. |
This option ticks most of the boxes. The downside is that a large number of
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Like Option 1, this option benefits health and social wellbeing, but the community would be compromising on safety. Cyclists wouldn’t be able to enjoy as many environmental features that are unique to Waipā, and it diverts away from some cultural and heritage sites. |
We’d need more landowners to grant public access across their properties and it would
require more external fundraising, but the wellbeing aspects of option two far outweigh
options one and three.
We also think it’s important that cyclists can enjoy the environment and experience cultural and heritage sites.
SO FAR, 115 PEOPLE HAVE COMMENTED ON THIS ISSUE (ONLINE!)