New graphics reveal what a $7 million project to put safety balustrades on parts of Wellington's waterfront might look like. Photo: Supplied / Wellington City Council
The father of a man who was found dead on Wellington's waterfront says the council's plans to put up safety balustrades is a step in the right direction.
The Environment and Infrastructure Committee will meet on 7 August to discuss installing edge protection on sections of the Kumutoto and Queens Wharf waterfront precincts, an area spanning approximately from the Maritime Police Station to Shed 6, to address safety risks in the high traffic areas.
The effort to improve safety follows recommendations made to Wellington City Council after a coronial inquest into the death of Sandy Calkin.
The 30-year-old was last seen walking along the waterfront at in the early hours of the morning on 10 July 2021. His body was found a week later.
Coroner Katharine Greig found Wellington's waterfront lacked adequate measures to prevent Calkin's death and recommended installing permanent edge protection.
His father, Roger Calkin, said he wanted the balustrades extended to the Te Papa Promenade.
"Actually putting full balustrades around Kumutoto and Queen's Wharfs, while that would satisfy the coroner's initial findings into Sandy's death, it doesn't cover areas like Te Papa Promenade."
Calkin said it was important safety measures were put in place as soon as possible, to prevent further tragedy.
"I just think this is an opportunity for Wellington City Council to start resolving a long-term issue and make sure that other families like my family don't go through the same pain and future that we've all gone through," he said.
"It's a situation that can be fixed and it needs to be fixed, it's as simple as that."
A public consultation process was expected to be undertaken for the remaining precincts, which would cost an additional $11 million.
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