This is an agenda item from Whangarei District Council. They are planning on taking all the money allocated for cycling (and footpaths) and using it on flood damage instead. Any advice on where to from here?

Hey everyone, have a look at this item from the Roading part of the Works & Services meeting agenda for next week (lucky 13th of August):

“10. Cycleways $0.0 (deferred to offset flood damage)

Although LTNZ has approved a subsidised programme of $161,000 for the implementation of cycleways in accordance with Council’s cycleway strategy that has recently been developed, funding for this project has been deferred to meet the flood damage repairs as detailed earlier in the report.”

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE TRANSPLANTED FROM THE ORIGINAL LOCATION:

12 AUG 08
AT 08:08
by LizM
Funding was stopped for cycling in Christchurch, Whangarei should seek advise from the Spokes Canterbury members who managed to turn this around. Contact Fiona Whero for the right person's contract details.

11 AUG 08
AT 09:08
by Graeme
They could also talk to the NZTA Cycling Champion for the region to see if the appropriation by the council is legal/within NZTA guidelines. If legal, they could also discuss where else the deferred money could come from or the timetable for it to be given back etc. NZTA may not know what is going on!

11 AUG 08
AT 03:08
by patrick
1. Local advocate calls the chair of the Works and Services committee and find out what's going on. Ask for any reports prepared by council staff on this item.

2. Local advocates attend the meeting.

3. Local advocates to phone councillors expressing concern.

4. Call local media.