26 November 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Waitōharuru (Tarawera Landing) plans
Enquiry
I'm just doing a little something on [The Waitōharuru concept plan] and just have a couple of questions which I can't see answered fully in the link (see HERE)
- How much will it cost in total (is there an estimate for ratepayers?)
- What's the timeframe for work to start and completion? Are there any estimated dates? Even next year? Or five years away?
Response
From Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere:
In 2019 Council secured a grant of $293,000 from the Government's Tourism Infrastructure fund for infrastructure upgrades at the reserve. The total costings for the full reserve upgrades won't be known until completion of final detailed design and consenting process.
The toilets are Stage 1 of this programme of works and are on schedule to be completed by Christmas 2020.
Pending completion of design and obtaining resource consent, the earliest tentative construction start date for the next stage of works is February 2022.
Where possible the work programme will be timed to minimise disruption to users, especially during busier times of the year such as the opening of trout fishing season and during dabchick breeding season. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Marguerita Street decision
Enquiry
I'd like to put this to the council and mayor (on behalf of councillors) for right of reply:
Peter Baars said safety was brought up in the meeting and it was never a consideration.
Initially it was heavy traffic and vibration and noise."
He said he was not aware of any pedestrian injuries on the street.
The construction of a pedestrian crossing is probably worthwhile but I don't see the real need for protecting pedestrians on the street."
Baars said he would await a response to his letter from the council and would evaluate where we go from there.
We anticipate referring this to the Ombudsman.
He said he believed councillors had been hoodwinked.
They've been told [the recommendation was] the status quo, it's not the status quo. It's option two, it's modifying the street. No one wanted that. They've been told it's a safety issue, it's never been about safety. They've been told it's about speed, [the council] said speed is not an issue on the street.
He said he thought Kai Fong and Macpherson's comments in the meeting were very relevant.
I would like to see the council pause and consider it more carefully, but I think that horse has bolted.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Safety was one of a number of issues raised by residents when we first met with them, and was highlighted in the report to the Operations and Monitoring Committee last month when this matter was debated at some length. While not a requirement, we made the decision to consult the wider community, which I'm pleased we did, and at today's Full Council meeting elected members had another chance to ask questions and seek clarification, and to seek assurance that we've got the balance right, to help inform decision-making.
Information provided:
For your knowledge and reference, you'll find reference to safety concerns in the background section of the report that went to O&M last month - see THIS LINK which will take you directly to that report.
Safety was also referenced in the information that was on Let's Talk/Korero Mai around this kaupapa (see THIS LINK) for your quick reference.