Huge response to Greater ChCh Urban Development Strategy

18 April 2005

The release of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy for public consultation has received an overwhelming response in just the first week.

Over 1000 feedback forms have been filled out and received, showing that the strategy has hit a chord with residents in the greater Christchurch area. People are keen to have their say on the future of their city and how it plans to accommodate population growth in the next 30 to 40 years.

“I think the response has been fantastic,” says Greater Christchurch UDS Forum chairman and Banks Peninsula mayor Bob Parker.

“The responses are exceeding expectations and I think, shows how passionate people are about the future of the greater Christchurch area and the likely impact of growth on their communities.”

Mr Parker says the interest boded well for the community meetings being planned for May but debate would heat up even more at the free Mayoral Forum tomorrow night (April 19) at the Christchurch Art Gallery, from 7.30pm, which is open to the public.

Auckland Regional Councillor Dr Joel Cayford will speak at the Mayoral Forum about the Greater Auckland experience and lessons that Christchurch should learn from its northern counterpart’s mistakes.
 
The biggest supporters of growth are usually mayors and property developers, while the biggest losers are usually ratepayers and the environment, Dr Cayford says.

“Some development is necessary, but the days of rampant sprawl and the creation of lonely low-cost housing subdivisions where everybody needs a car to do anything, needs to end. Auckland is not a shining beacon and Christchurch can learn from our mistakes,” he says.

The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy is being considered by the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Forum which comprises the Waimakariri, Selwyn and Banks Peninsula district councils, Environment Canterbury, Transit New Zealand and the Christchurch City Council and other business and community stakeholders.

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