Majority of public wants pipes under river

• Published date: 23 May 2023
• Publication title: Ensign, The

Last year plans to build a bridge across the river to carry the pipes from the Jacobstown wells to the East Gore Water Treatment Station were scuppered when the Environment Court overturned the granting of a 2021 resource consent for the bridge

The result of a public consultation to find out whether residents preferred the pipes go under the river or over the river were discussed at a full council meeting last week.

A report by Three Waters manager Matt Bayliss outlined the findings of the consultation.

Of the 395 submissions received, 63.3 % or 251 submissions favoured the council focusing on getting the pipeline under the river and 36.5 % or 144 submissions favoured the council combining the water pipe with a walking and cycling bridge.

‘‘This is considered a high level of engagement when compared to other similar projects the council has previously completed,’’ Mr Bayliss wrote.

During the discussion councillors agreed the consultation had provided a clear answer to what residents wanted.

Cr Paul McPhail said given council debt was rising, cost was a key...