Cambridge Chamber of Commerce members have told the organisation to lobby urgently for an on and off ramp at the southern end of Waikato Expressway.
The feedback came in responses to a survey the chamber put out to members following the announcement a resource consent application had been lodged to establish a giant quarry in Newcombe Road, on the southern outskirts of Cambridge.
“All traffic funnels through Cambridge town which is currently deplorable and will be much worse under this application,” one respondent said.
Kelly Bouzaid
Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the survey had some consistent themes which reinforced there was a high level of concern around the growing congestion in Cambridge.
Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency) has consistently ruled out a new on and off ramp at the end of Tirau Road just past the Cambridge Golf Club.
The organisation’s concerns revolve around the Expressway from there through to Hautapu being used as a through route around Cambridge for vehicles, particularly trucks and tankers, rather than a free flowing highway.
“The chamber understands this has been described as an engineering impossibility, but we are digging deeper to better understand and inform,” said Bouzaid.
Of the 80 who responded to the survey, 92 per cent said the top concern was heavy traffic and congestion impacting on Carter’s Flat and in town.
“This consent must dovetail the Cambridge Connections business case, and more information is needed to better understand anticipated quarry movements, whether heading north or south and the true consequences on our town.”
Other concerns raised included the dust pollution, long tail bats and the environmental impact.
One respondent was adamant the chamber had a key advocacy role to play.
“The chamber has a duty to protect the welfare of the local businesses and the people who work in them and use their services. Town will be a disaster from the increased trucking traffic and a quarry so close to town and the Karāpiro Stream will drive away future investment.”
Others said the application had to be publicly notified “so that everyone affected can have their say.”
Another said Cambridge was a sought after destination for business, world class athletes and a hub for amazing people from New Zealand and all around the world.
“The pollution that is released through silica in the sand dust will put our community’s health at risk as 3.5kms from central Cambridge is not far enough!”
Bouzaid said the chamber would meet with Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and senior council officials to better understand the process and the decision making options.
“We want to know specifically why it lies in the hands of out of town consultants and a hearing commissioner.”
