Train track plan has residents steamed up

By STUART DYE

Plans to extend a popular tourist attraction in Waiuku have caused an unprecedented rift in a tranquil community and could end up before the courts.

Beneath the calm veneer of Waiuku, the simmering row has been bubbling for almost nine years.

It stems from Glenbrook Vintage Railway's plan to extend its line into the heart of the township.

Railway bosses were last week granted resource consent by the Franklin District Council to go ahead with the project.

But opponents have appealed and the looming row is set to rumble into the Environment Court.

At issue are plans for two level crossings across the main roads of Waiuku.

Bosses at Glenbrook say any disruption will be "less than minor" but the benefits will be a boost to the economy and the tourist trade.

But their opponents, Waiuku Concerned Citizens, claim it will create unprecedented traffic problems in a town of just 7000 people.

While the centre of Waiuku has the problems of all small towns competing with out-of-town shopping centres, the citizens' group says it is growing into a satellite town for commuters to Auckland.

A growing population will face daily waits for train crossings, say the concerned citizens.

Ross Crook, marketing manager of Glenbrook Vintage Railway, said the arguments were "an old worn-out record".

"We've proven the effects are less than minor and we should be allowed to get on with it and not waste money in arguing it out.

"It is a small group who won't open their minds. They are vociferous, but we are heartened by the small number of those against the plan.

"People will be held up for 45 to 50 seconds. Is that really a big deal?"

National Party MP Dr Paul Hutchison has backed the extension.

The application has also been viewed positively by the district council, which is keen to exploit tourist potential.

Waiuku, as the gateway to the West Coast, is seen as a key aspect of its tourism strategy.

But those in favour of the project are from out of town, says Waiuku Concerned Citizens.

The group has 50 members and support for its fight was growing, said spokesman Tom Bright.

"It's fine foisting these things on people if you don't have to live with it. We are not just a gang of old fogeys bitching about it. These are genuine concerns for the village. That's our view but they are not prepared to discuss it."

The planned extension runs 2km from Fernleigh to Waiuku with the planned terminal on the Tamakae reserve.

It is seen as the perfect tourist trap, on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and close to tourist hot spots.

The area has already been designated the Waiuku Heritage Area and includes the restored scow Jane Gifford, the Waiuku Museum, Hartmann House and the Kentish Hotel, built in 1851.

Mr Bright said his group was not against the extension but there was a better route for it to take.

Mr Crook said there was no other route and this was the perfect boon to tourism.

If the matter cannot be settled, it will be several months before it appears in court.