Next steps are being taken for the Puhoi to Warkworth lifeline to the North – the public has their say
The Pūhoi to Warkworth stage of the country’s northernmost Road of National Significance (RoNS) reached a further milestone in November with the announcement by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of the public notification period.
The Pūhoi to Warkworth section is designed to continue the motorway north on a new route from the Johnston’s Hills tunnels to a new interchange just north of Warkworth, and will provide a new, safer, more convenient and faster route for the north’s growing freight volumes and steadily increasing traffic flows.
This submission announcement follows the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Conservations’ official endorsement of this stage as a project of national significance that will bring economic benefits not just to Northland, but to the country as a whole.
The Ministers have also recommended that the project be referred to a Board of Inquiry, which means guarantees a nine month process for the agency to receive a final decision on the resource consents and designation.
Through November and December the public had 20 working days to have their say on the Transport Agency’s proposal which includes how the project plans to avoid, remedy or mitigate any possible environmental effects.
Public hearings, in front of a Board of Inquiry, are expected to be held in early 2014.Further information about the EPA submission process and the opportunity to make your submission online is available at here(external link).
