Viewpoint – Method or madness?

After many years advocating for better outcomes in roading and drainage for the Wellsford subdivision, including the last eight years elected to bring these issues into the long-term plan, a good result was achieved last week. This has been a team effort, with Councillor Greg Sayers lobbying the politicians at the governing body for many years on my behalf.

Mayor Brown understands the needs of rural communities and has allocated $124 million to address the underspend in Rodney’s unsealed roads. Councillor Sayers has asked that the money is front loaded due to the cost of inflation.

This is where my frustration starts, both as a local board member and a former contractor. As a local board member, I have vigorously advocated for roading trials to identify the best methods and material to produce a high standard road, resistant to environmental impact and general deterioration through use. As a former contractor with many years of experience, I have seen what does and does not work regarding roading maintenance and construction.

In 2016, there were four different trials using different surface sealants. These trials were carried out with Hutchinson Consulting and Auckland Transport (AT) engineers. Full reports were completed and brought to the local board. The reports were debated, approved and passed by the governing body.

The first of the four trials utilised the existing surface metal. Extra metal was added together with 1.5% of cement. The material was rolled out and tar sealed, with the result being highly successful. Unfortunately, the other methods failed. I would hate to think of the cost involved with the unsuccessful trials that were approved.

Previously, the Araparera targeted rate money that was introduced by the former Rodney District Council, was used in a trial by AT to suppress dust on our unsealed roads. The trial was conducted on a section of Woodcocks Road in Warkworth. The Woodcocks Road section is now six years old and has had very little maintenance, yet it is still in good condition.

AT has now decided to use a new product called Polycom© to strengthen the base layer of rural roads. Will this product work? Only time will tell.

AT needs to be instructed by the governing body to use dust suppressing road maintenance and construction methods based on a solid foundation of what actually works, rather than using poor methodology.

Drainage

The governing body has also approved the drainage boards for Te Arai and Okahukura that were previously removed when we went to Auckland Council. It has been eight years working to get these rural communities the right to decide the outcomes for their own catchments.

Footpaths

Wharehine contractors are progressing well with the footpath to Centennial Park on SH1/Rodney Street, which is another part of the Greenway programme. The completion of the programme involves the construction of a crossing over SH1, near the Wellsford Police Station, and the footpath from Matheson Road to Centennial Park.

Thank you all for your support.