18 May 2009
Last week’s hearings saw 63 submitters present their submissions in person to Council, adding valuable extra feedback to the written submissions already received by Council.
Six key proposals were highlighted to get specific community feedback, and for Cambridge, the proposed community pool was the focus of some robust comment.
Although the group against the proposal were vocal in their opposition, the split between for and against was narrow, 172 to 197 says Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston.
“This level of objection is taken into account, even though there were varying reasons for their opposition. On the other hand it was disappointing to Council that there wasn’t a strong presence in support of such a significant project. I appreciate that there is strong silent support for the proposed pool, but at times like this there is a need to make it public.”
Mr Livingston is also disappointed by claims that there was a lack of consultation and that the pool was a ‘done deal’.
“I refute that, as Council has made every endeavour to consult, although on occasions it could have been done better. A community group was established to investigate pool sites and types, and extensive information has been provided by way of the media, Word on Waipa, workshops, public and user group meetings, plus a brochure and a summary of the 10-year Plan to every household.”
The decision has now been made to defer construction of the pool by one year to year 4 of the 10-year Plan, but the project still has a reliance on community support and fundraising.
“A community pool must provide best value for money, that gives the greatest benefit to the widest range of users. Pushing it back a year sees the project go into the next Plan process, and gives the community the challenge to make it happen. Council is not going to force the project on the community if there are objections and not the drive for it to go ahead.” says Mr Livingston.
In terms of the other key projects, initial investigations for a heritage and cultural centre in Te Awamutu will go ahead, as will the implementation of an improved public transport service between Cambridge/Leamington and Hamilton and Te Awamutu/Kihikihi and Hamilton. The seal extension programme will remain at the current target of 97%, and the Maungatautari Ecological Island project will receive $300,000 in funding to ensure its work continues. For waste management, the community have signaled they wish refuse collection to remain user-pays, and as an exception, for Council to continue to support the Cambridge Refuse Station.
The change to the draft Plan means that the proposed rates increases have been amended from:
Year Original rates increase Amended rates increase
One 5.6% 5.6%
Two 6.6% 6.8%
Three 5.9% 6.0%
Four 8.0% 5.1%
All submitters will receive a letter after adoption of the 10-year Plan on June 30 outlining all decisions made relating to their submission. An overview will also appear in the July Word on Waipa.
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