SEEING THROUGH TO A CLEAR SKY 16 April, 2024 | Proudly locally owned and operated Issue 1101 Circulation 9000
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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA
INSIDE TODAY Head students on leadership and Anzac P5
REALITY AND DETAIL LACKING IN LONG TERM PLAN Consultation after the fact BY PAULINE STEWART
How does a small school win a regional essay prize to Te Papa? P2 & 3 Will this generation protect our birds?
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taff are stretched. Finances are tight, not just for our Council but for others as well, though the cost of cyclone recovery and catch up has had more bearing on budgets for TCDC than say, Hauraki District Council This could explain the way things seem to be working for local regional development in terms of presenting its Long term Plan (LTP). The process seems to be that major decisions are made after a lot of discussion and research within staff environs; a budget figure is set and then opinion from the ratepayer is sought by way of submission both individual and group, followed by verbal submissions and presentations at public meetings. A sticking issue is that the means to make a proper and informed submission would be to first check budget lines and view some sort of
visual or diagrammatic presentation of a major budget item. For example, if it’s a swimming pool complex or esplanade development, a carefully outlined detailed budget along with drawings or relief presentation would be needed as part of any LTP proposal. This largely has not happened with the major proposals and the date for written submissions has passed. This could mean that consultation open to making big changes is merely a lip service formality. LTP’s five key areas do seem to point to choosing options from an already decided direction. One can make a choice on the options but not change the direction. When a resident really disagrees with something, this can feel like tinkering but not having the confidence in making a significant change. However, this last week, the detail presented in the TCDC newsletter regarding the swimming
pool complex in Thames, and the esplanade development in Whitianga are detailed and track a journey not previously revealed. The following is welcome reading. “We’re keen to hear people’s views on a new pool facility to serve Thames’ future. Thames Centennial Pool is located on a sacred urupā (burial ground). Our Council and Ngāti Maru have agreed to remove the facility and return the land to Ngāti Maru in 2027.” It explains why a new pool and a new location is needed. It does seem to emphasise Thames rather than a sub regional centre serving the peninsula mentioned elsewhere in budget proposals. Be it late, it is a good sign and worth reading. The background work regarding finding a swimming pool option is impressive and obviously the cost of this preparation has already been spent. Continued on page 9
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