3 October 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Petition opposing lakefront redevelopment

Inquiry

I thought maybe you could provide an overall response but I've picked out a few sentences in the release you might address in that.

For example:

The presser says the current area is more functional and photographed, but do you think this is not the case and it needs revitalising? It also mentions machinery removing weed, is that something that's being considered?

It says there were no public hearings before making the decisions, but this was included in the LTP deliberations were they not?

It also says reopening the museum is more of a priority, so perhaps you could also make mention of the fact this is also in the LTP and one of the council's priorities.

Perhaps you could explain the so called "guesstimates" of jobs and economic impact.

It then goes on to talk about culturally sensitive sites so maybe you could include info about how those will be preserved.

And finally, how many signatures would it take to change the council's mind in regards to the redevelopment of the lakefront? Or is this set in stone and any petition would be in vain.

Those are just a few suggested talking points so feel free to add more.

Also, I don't think their $54.7million figure is correct is it? What is the correct figure please? Around $40m?

Response

Council does not have a statement however please see below some key facts about the lakefront redevelopment. Please note this is information rather than quotes.

Plans to redevelop the lakefront date back to 2006 when it was identified as an important component for the upgrade of the central city with the view to creating a world class waterfront.

A refresh of the Rotorua 2030 Vision (The Rotorua Way) in 2017 identified lakefront redevelopment as one of a number of big moves that would drive future progress but would require partnership funding.

The lakefront upgrade is included in Rotorua Lakes Council's 2018-28 Long-term Plan (LTP) which was adopted by the Council in late June following consultation. The 10-year plan has a major focus on improving and maintaining Rotorua's existing assets and infrastructure, while catering for growth and investing in the future (see pages 20 to 35 of the LTP re priority projects HERE).

The lakefront project is also part of Rotorua's Visitor Economy Strategy and is supported by the Bay of Plenty Connections' Regional Visitor Economy Strategy as being significant to the wider region.

Further information:

• Click HERE to see the media release that was sent out on the day of the Provincial Growth Fund announcement
• Click HERE to see the lakefront redevelopment project page on our website which includes confirmation of funding details.
• A presentation is taking place at tomorrow's Operations & Monitoring committee meeting which explains the next steps for the development projects. See the meeting preview HERE
• You can view the news item following the conclusion of the LTP deliberations HERE. This includes links to the LTPs online engagement on Let's Talk and also the LTP consultation document.
• Details about LTP consultation undertaken can be found HERE.

**Newshub Radio also requested comment on this topic and was supplied with the above facts and information.