Cambridge Community Board set three strategic priorities to focus on when we were first elected. They were to advocate for a new library and community hub, support walking and cycling paths town wide and lastly, to ensure the vibrancy of our central business districts in Cambridge and Leamington.
Site of the proposed Newcombe Rd quarry and proximity to Cambridge.
We have linked many issues back to this CBD priority from advocating on projects such as Cambridge Connections through to smaller issues such as more drinking fountains and seating.
Jo Davies-Colley
As part of this advocacy, we are reviewing the resource consent application for RS Sands Limited to establish a sand quarry at 77 Newcombe Road, Cambridge.
We requested an extension to the submission period so our community could have more time to understand the potential impact a quarry so close to town could have and we were pleased to have that request accepted.
While the community board acknowledges the increased need for sand, and other materials, needed to support the construction and growth industries of our district, we have two specific concerns.
While there have been varying numbers of proposed truck movements circulated, with some suggesting up to 400 a day, the Cambridge community board strongly opposes any increased truck movements through town, whether it be 10 or 400. As we are already at or near what the truck movements were when SH1 went through our town, we would not like to see any increased level at all.
These increased truck numbers pose some significant issues for our community – road congestion, noise pollution and safety concerns for road users and pedestrians alike.
We are particularly worried for St Peters Catholic School children whose school sits directly next to the route proposed and wonder how those children walking or on bikes will navigate their way across Queen Street through increasingly heavy traffic when there is only one pedestrian crossing.
Trucks negotiate the Carter’s Flat Hill heading into town. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Finally, we are also concerned that heavy vehicle passage past our heritage buildings and bridges may have a negative impact on structural integrity and that road degradation may also be accelerated with heavy vehicle movement through town.
We believe the wider community has been vocal in their desire to see a reduction in heavy trucks through the CBD and are concerned this could undermine the character and vibrancy of our town.
We also have concerns around how the environment will be affected by the quarry, both at its Newcombe Road site but also as the trucks loaded with sand move through our town and the wider district.
We are seeking assurance that any quarry activity will not impact our waterways and are further concerned about air pollution from fine dust from the commuting trucks, from the quarry site to their destination. Waipā District Council is committed to protecting our native flora and fauna through the Waikato Biodiversity Accord and we hope this will be front of mind in any consent conditions.
The submission period for this application closes on November 4. If you also wish to submit, you can do so through the Waipā District Council website.
Your submission does not have to be lengthy or technical, it can be as simple as writing, I support or do not support this application.
As always, we welcome your feedback on this or any other issue, either via email or in person in our public forum at the beginning of our monthly meetings. All are welcome.
See: Not on my doorstep …
Planned site for Newcombe Rd Quarry
Planned site for Newcombe Rd Quarry
