WDC (Waimakariri District Council)

Joint agency draft strategy for long-term planning of future growth around Chch: Our submission is also strongly based on our previous submission to the original "Options" consultation document in 2005; this captured our general philosophy in great detail. We urge you to re-review this submission as well , although we will try to encapsulate the key points here. Our comments are largely focused on the transport implications of the UDS, although we appreciate that this is intricately interlinked with many other aspects such as land use, urban design, and environmental effects...

Joint agency study of future roading options heading north of Chch:
Spokes is concerned at the total lack of mention of cyclists and pedestrians when discussing options, particularly in the summary options booklet. Irrespective of subsequent community consultation, the impacts on these users should have been explicitly identified at this stage. Some discussion in the Interim Assessment Report considers social effects, but appears to only consider cycling under "roadside recreation". It is not at all clear how this assessment is meant to cover cycle trips to work, schools, varsity, etc...

Initial Council consultation for ideas to develop District walk/cycle strategy: Spokes welcomes the development of a walking/cycling strategy for the Waimakariri District. Given the district's proximity to Christchurch and popularity for cycle touring, it is a logical step to identify cycling needs in the area. And, given the burgeoning growth and development taking place in the district, it is sensible to establish a strategy now so that walking and cycling can be properly incorporated with developments and not be retrofitted later with greater difficulty...

Joint agency initiative presenting Initial Options for planning future growth in Chch district: We are very pleased to see this joint initiative at this time. Christchurch is at a cross-roads and needs to make some hard choices soon to avoid mistakes made elsewhere in choosing (or not choosing) its desired urban form. "Business as usual" should not be tolerated as the future option for Christchurch, whether by design, or by default through collective indecision...

Feedback on draft District walk/cycle strategy:
Spokes is very supportive of this Strategy and we congratulate the Council on its development. We look forward to its wholehearted implementation (including adequate funding), which will be the key to achieving the stated Objectives...