Expressway
By now you should have received your voting papers in the mail for local body elections. It’s important to have your say and vote on how your local community is governed.
I work closely with our local mayors and, having spent eight years as a Horowhenua District Councillor, I have a good idea of what’s involved and expected of your representatives.
In Kapiti nearly half the new council will be fresh faces because of vacancies, and the expressway is one of the hot topics.
The expressway is going to happen. It received more positive news last week, with the Kapiti Coast District Council joining the ‘Alliance’ to work alongside central Government, NZTA and technical roading experts to get the best outcome for the community. This is great news.
The new expressway is a major infrastructure project for our region and it makes sense for the council to be sitting around the table. NZTA have made it clear they want to engage with the local community and this is an important way of doing that.
The next major step forward is the design and location of interchanges. As local MP I want to make sure that locals have good access to the expressway, so it’s important we all have our say when NZTA begins consultation.
The expressway is just one part of a $2.2 billion Road of National Significance from Levin to Wellington airport, including Transmission Gully. On top of that we also have a major rail upgrade underway to Waikanae.
It’s great that our region is finally getting the quality infrastructure it deserves. These three big projects will mean less congestion, safer journeys and a real boost to the regional economy.
In Horowhenua nearly all the council is seeking re-election and it’s harder to pick a single issue jumping out at ratepayers. The clean up of Lake Horowhenua has gained some momentum recently which is a good thing. It will take many interested people and stakeholders to make positive progress with this important issue.
Congratulations to all those who are standing for local election – it is important work and the community needs good people prepared to offer their time and skills.
It’s up to you to use your democratic right to complete your voting papers. Do it for your community.