Velodrome debate

Accidental or deliberate social media misinformation explains the mess around the velodrome.

There are three options, not two. Mayor Hamish now says, “It’s more about ‘budgetary considerations’.”

Perhaps a small window opens for

a win-win between Option 2 and 3?

Surveys show the public do want a roof and wide sports/events usage. The council is committed to a roof and has been so for two years, has put money put aside and, this is reflected in the draft LTP position.

The myth that the velo team want a roof solely for a few elite cyclists is simply a lie. They have always sought the essentialness of a full roof as promised by the council and, as wide a public use as possible for paying audiences and sports/event hirers alike.

We are invited to make submissions.

I know many very high profile sports groups and persons will appear and seek a compromise.

The majority of councillors want a roof for one cycling track, and due to initial poor concept design, maybe

two other related sports at $20 million?

The Government has made it clear that for a 55 per cent funding of the $20 million, or the disputed $36.4 million, that it needs be a detailed submission, within the next 12-18 months and it must “maximise usage”? There is a joint way forward.

Why would the council submit a $20 million application for one sport plus two? Would you say that’s doomed from the start, and one would ask, why would that be?

ROSS FALLEN

Whanganui