A scar on our city

Apparently Wellington city has a transport problem around the basin reserve.

To solve this problem the National Government has charged the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) with delivering a solution.

Having had much time to ponder the sources of the problem and all the various solutions, the NZTA has proposed two options – well one really, as the second is merely a larger and more costly version of the first.

It has proposed a bridge.

Well a flyover really, but it could just as well be called a cow. So much for real consultation or a future proofed solution that people want. Apparently everyone wants a bridge (yeah right), its just how big we want it? Are these NZTA people stupid?

In effect, the bridge will be a high rise carpark for cars waiting to enter Mt Vic tunnel. It will cast a shadow across the basin and a visual scar across our smart green city. All in the aid of being able to race across town a few seconds faster, so one can join the que through the tunnel. Visionary indeed. I think not.

Its at this point several thoughts come to mind. First, is NZTA putting its hand up for government restructuring. Because clearly this not only has the tipping point potential of political suicide for its masters (the national government), but it illustrates what a waste of money the NZTA planning team is – if all it can offer is a bridge. One might even suggest that this shows a lack of political astuteness on behalf of NZTA management. Exposing your political masters to having to commit to a position in election year is not a good look.  Heads will roll.

If I were not crying, I would be on the floor in fits of laughter.

The only people probably relishing this proposal must by the marketing team at the Wellington International Airport (WIL), who were until this point, probably the laughing stock of the marketing industry with their ludicrous wellywood sign. That accolade now appears to have passed to the NZTA, who must be the laughing stock of most city planners.

I think the NZTA underestimated the apathy of Wellingtonians. As did WIL. Heads are definitely going to roll.

Just as NZTA proposed two options, so do Wellingtonian’s have two options. First, actively oppose the bridge. Secondly, vote a government into power who will also oppose it. Because if National do not veto this deplorable charade of consultation, Labour and the Greens will (as they have already).  This is a bad look for the National government who right now are looking like bullies if they allow this charade to continue. This issue could well be the tipping point for a new government.

Let the battle begin.

Sign a petition. For example, http://www.wellingtongreens.org.nz/2009/09/petition-stop-the-basin-reserve-flyover/

http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=36156