Impact of intersection closure already biting

Two weeks after Albert Street area businesses asked decision makers to meet and let them know the outcome of requests for financial support, there is still no action. 

Meanwhile, the Albert/Victoria Street intersection has closed and businesses are reporting serious impact after two days.

“The harsh reality is staring us in the face.  We don’t know how we can survive this and furthermore, the noise, the mess and daily struggle to get the simplest of needs met, this is ruining our lives,” says business owner Jugdish Naran.

Heart of the City continues to take action to try and get a resolution for businesses so desperately in need and has lodged an Official Information Request (OIA) relating to this matter.

Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City says that “We continue to push for action and we won’t stop until there is a decision. There’s some positive words but there is still no move to meet and listen to what is needed.  Words aren’t action and that’s what’s needed here”.

Here is an update on what has happened over the last week:

NO MEETING BOOKED

NO DECISION ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Summary of Responses

• Prime Minister’s Office:
  Understands it is a stressful time for these businesses but this is a matter for Minister Wood and we can expect a reply in due course.
• Mayor Goff:
  Supports hardship funding for small businesses and is in discussions with Minister Wood – will get back to us when they are in a position to indicate what support can be given.
• Minister Wood:
  Says he is sympathetic and reviewing a proposal from Heart of the City (submitted on 28 January 2021).  Says it’s important that they have a look at it and he’ll be trying to move that discussion along as quickly as he can.
• Minister Nash:
  Said two weeks ago that he would sit down with Minister Wood to seek a solution for the issues facing businesses impacted by City Rail Link construction.  No response to a request for an update on what discussions have taken place.
• Sir Brian Roche:
  No response.

Heart of the City continues to take action to try and get a resolution for businesses so desperately in need and has lodged an Official Information Request for information relating to this matter, including:

• The Government’s review of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee’s recommendations (March 2020)
• Provision of hardship funding/business support/compensation for impacted businesses, both for the C2 and C3 contract works.  This includes work currently underway to review options for providing financial support and associated timing.