GDC's application to build new bridge has been suspended

Monday, 5 October 2020

An artist impression of the $3.7million cable-stay design bridge as part of a $10.8million project to carry water pipelines from the East Gore plant to the Jacobstown wells. It will be the longest and tallest structure of this type in New Zealand at 39m high and 90m long.

The Gore District Council’s resource consent applications to build a pedestrian bridge across the Mataura River have been suspended.

The council has to apply to itself, and Environment Southland for resource consent to build the bridge.

Independent planners have requested the council prepare a cultural impact assessment of the proposal, and provide additional information and assessment of the lighting proposed for the bridge, potential for noise arising wind on the proposed bridge structure, and ecological effects of the bridge on birds.

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An Environment Southland spokesperson said the application with the regional council to build the bridge had been suspended at the Gore District Council’s request. It was allowed to suspend the application for up to 130 working days.

Last month Stuff reported that Gore’s Hokonui Rūnanga opposed the council’s resource consent application to build the bridge because the council did not consult with it before announcing its plans.

“In particular, Hokonui believes that the principle of partnership has not been upheld by the applicant given a Cultural Impact Assessment from Hokonui was only been sought once the resource consent was lodged. As such, it appears to be superficial engagement in order to tick a box instead of being meaningful engagement.’’

Several submitters who live near the site of the proposed bridge also opposed the plans, citing a lack of consultation, while others who were in favour of the bridge being built said it would provide connectivity between east Gore and the rest of the town, and pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The council has lodged consents with Environment Southland and itself to construct the bridge.

The applications attracted 46 submissions – 26 in opposition, 17 in support, two neutral and one in support but opposing the site.

In June, the council announced plans to build a new $3.7 million pedestrian footbridge that carried water pipes across the river, north of the existing traffic bridge, as part of a $10.7 m upgrade of its East Gore water treatment plant.

The NZ Transport Agency would co-fund 55 per cent of the $3.7million cable-stay design bridge, leaving the council to pay $1.6m.

If it goes ahead, the bridge will be the longest and tallest cable-stay design bridge in New Zealand at 39m high and 90m long.