Official Information Request - Lumbercube

Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2016 8:44 a.m.
Subject: TRIM: Reply to information request - Lumbercube

I refer to your email of 30 June 2016 requesting information regarding noise issues around the Lumbercube mill and advise that this request has been processed under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. The following information is provided as per your email:

1. How much has RLC spent on equipment to monitor noise relating to Lumbercube?
   Council has not purchased noise monitoring equipment specifically for Lumbercube. A portable machine which is waterproof and can operate 24/7 without staff involvement was purchased in early May. This valuable piece of regulatory equipment will be used for a variety of noise monitoring issues, which included monitoring of the Lumbercube site.
2. How much has RLC spent on communications and advertising related to the Lumbercube noise issues?
   There was a need to keep the eastside residents and the wider community informed of the matters being raised over noise issues at the Lumbercube mill. The council’s website was the main vehicle for sharing this information, along with Facebook, information drops and an information spread published in the Daily Post. There were three spreads published in the Daily Post and Weekender totalling $12,000. In addition, three information publications were developed and delivered to all households in the eastern area. The combined cost of the three publications was $1,600.
3. How much has RLC spent on consultants relating to the Lumbercube noise issues?
   As at 30 June 2016 council had paid $46,330 (excl GST) to its legal and noise consultants.
4. What has the cost been to RLC in staff time and dollars with regards to the Lumbercube noise issues?
   Staff are on salaries and the workload is managed within their 40 hour week.

Under legislation we are obliged to advise that if you have any concerns with the adequacy of our response you may contact the Ombudsman by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman
P O Box 10 152
WELLINGTON 6143

Or alternatively by email to complaint@ombudsmen.parliament.nz

Regards Jean-Paul Gaston Group Manager, Strategy and Partnerships
P: 07 351 8302 | M: 0276554415
E: Jean-Paul.Gaston@rotorualc.nz | W: rotorualakescouncil.nz
A: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand