In February 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle struck the Coromandel Peninsula. As a result, there was widespread flooding and extensive damage mainly from slips and slumps.
Road transport was seriously impacted and key routes such has State Highway 25A were closed for extended periods. Extra funding was provided by Central Government and the resulting repair costs put severe pressure on TCDC finances.
Roading engineers quickly prioritised repairs and rightly so. One of the seriously damaged roads was Hahei Beach Road, the only access into and out of Hahei. This is affectionately known by Haheitians as Snake Gully.
A large slip had come down, initially blocking one lane and requiring temporary barriers and a reduced speed zone. Some three years later, these temporary barriers and speed restrictions are still firmly in place.
Over that period despite extensive lobbying and both written and verbal TCDC promises nothing has been done. The Mayor and Deputy were supportive and further assurances given.
Documents show that amongst the highest priority roading repair projects was Snake Gully. Funding had also been set aside. In recent months a group of local cyclists were forced into the Snake Gully barriers by a camper van and serious injuries narrowly avoided.
Again. TCDC were advised and I had the opportunity to speak online, Council meeting. Unfortunately, you are only allocated a strict 5 minutes (reduced to 3 mins at the most recent meeting) to state your case with no opportunity to ask questions or engage further.
In fairness, the roading engineer updated me with an email and a promise to keep me informed. Sadly, that did not happen, and it was alarming to then hear that the repair work had been taken off the priority list and funding moved to another project. Advice received through the Community Board Chair was that the repairs would not be considered until the next financial year. So, we are left with a trail of broken promises and a patently dangerous stretch of road that has waited for over three years to be sorted.
TCDC you could be doing a lot better.
KSAR: On a positive note, a huge thank you to the responses to the Search and Rescue article and to the volunteers who are signing up. There may be some former members who may be interested in rejoining. If so, please contact Shannon Gregory. email: kuaotuntu@landsar.org.nz.
