Coast politicians want specifics about what consultation to inform the Sunshine Coast Fixed Link study will actually look like.
While the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has yet to disclose which company will be awarded the bid to undertake the study (bids had to be in by Dec. 10, 2015), the request for proposal states the consultant will be tasked with public consultation and community engagement, as part of the job.
When Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors were gathered for a transportation advisory committee meeting on Jan. 11, Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee chair Barry Cavens noted it was “very important for the long-term future of the Sunshine Coast” that the consultant hears what residents have to say.
“There will be strongly held opinions for and against a road, environmental issues and all kinds of issues involved, but how do we collectively make sure that the voice of the Sunshine Coast is heard? That’s my question. I don’t have an answer,” Cavens said.
Pender Harbour director Frank Mauro said in their role as an advisory committee they simply had to “get the message out.”
“I think the message from committee is to encourage participation and identification of the issues because it’s really the consultant’s job to gather all the issues,” Mauro said.
Roberts Creek director Mark Lebbell wanted to ensure the public knew when, where and how to have their say.
“I’ll make a motion that the SCRD send a letter to the consultants, once they’re established, asking for clarification as to the public engagement and consultation opportunities on the lower Sunshine Coast and that this recommendation goes to the next planning committee,” he said.
All were in favour.
Mauro also made a motion to invite a representative of the chosen consultant to come to the next transportation advisory committee meeting to speak to committee members about the consultant’s plans. The motion was unanimously approved.
