My Account
A tram running through Warkworth sounds like fun.
When we asked our cartoonist Craig Powell to give us his thoughts on Warkworth’s growth, we knew to expect something a bit out of the box. He didn’t disappoint:
In 30 years time, Warkworth’s public transport system will be a national drawcard. It will have a self-propelled electric tram system, which travels a circular route linking Woodcocks Rd, Queen St, A&P Showgrounds and back to Woodcocks Rd via Falls Road.
Reduced sedimentation in the harbour will provide good fishing and less siltation will mean an increase in the number of private vessels coming to Warkworth. There will also be a ferry service from Auckland which brings visitors on public holidays and for the Kowhai Festival.
Many of these people arrive to walk and bike along the popular Warkworth to Omaha trail, over-nighting in Matakana.
Local horticulture is booming and supplies produce to Auckland and Warkworth’s weekly market.
But, based on the current political model, I’m not confident that this vision will be realised. Warkworth is more likely to become another soul-less concrete entity like Albany.
Population growth may increase local jobs and wealth, but it will exponentially increase pollution, destruction of natural food resources, poverty and crime.
We should value what we have. Warkworth should be given the opportunity to assume control of its own growth rather than be dictated to by Auckland consultants and the Environment Court.
