Got a burning issue? Feel that there’s something the Council should be doing or improving in your region? The Annual Plan is the opportunity for citizens to have their say in what the Council’s spending priorities should be.
So don’t be a bird brain get down to the Coronation Hall on March 31st and find out what’s going on in your city.
In March 2013 Portobello Community Incorporated made a submission on the proposed road widening design for Portobello and Harrington Point Roads. That submission detailed a number of issues with the nature of the design and its impact on the community, the landscape and the environment. Because of the importance of this issue to our community the group distributed 600 flyers, added a display to the store and added information to this website. The City Council announced at the March Annual Plan meeting in Portobello that a further consultation meeting would be held so that residents could see proposed changes to the plans and comment further. That meeting is to be held on Monday, May 13th at 7:00pm at the Coronation Hall.
The Council have made some change to the plans, and this is an opportunity to see whether they have understood the initial concerns that the community. The new plans can be viewed at the following link. It is vital that the community see these plans and understand their implications for the future of the township and the Otago Peninsula. If you have friends, neighbours, colleagues and whanau who you feel need to know more about this project come along to the meeting and have your say.
A summary of the project changes since the initial consultation includes;
There is still many areas of the plan that need finalising, particularly;
These and many other issues are things that the community need to have input on so that the design meets the community’s needs. Take the opportunity and have your say.
The blocked outlet of Hooper’s Inlet has been an issue on the Peninsula for some time now. The issue has been one that has frustrated local residents as the responsibility for its management is volleyed between the Otago Regional Council and the Dunedin City Council. Both local authorities seem hamstrung between their own responsibilities, policy and legislative requirements and a fundamental lack of funding to undertake the work.
The issue of responsibility for opening the inlet seems set to continue if both organisations can’t escape their fear of “precedence” that will bind them to the continued financial management of the inlet in the future. However, that argument seems shallow when compared to the actual number of times physical works to open the channel has been required over the last 25 years. What is certain though is that the road and property assets of the Peninsula are effected by the choking of the channel, which creates difficulties and stresses for many local people. These issues may become more pronounced as we move towards winter. Other concerns also arise in terms of the recreational, water quality, biodiversity and scenic qualities of the inlet if the current situation continues. All of these factors affect our quality of life and that of our environment.
Funding for the clearance of the channel is at present the most obvious constraint for the Otago Regional Council. The Peninsula community must send a clear message to the Council that this issue needs resolving. Otherwise a simple problem may develop more complex and costly implications if it is not dealt with effectively and meaningfully. Annual Plan submissions for the Otago Regional Council close by 5pm on Friday 3 May 2013, and residents should take the time to voice the needs of their community over the Hooper’s Inlet issue.
You can email, fax or post your submission to;
Email: annual.plan@orc.govt.nz
Post: Draft Annual Plan Otago Regional Council Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054
Fax: (03) 479-0015
The forms for submission can be downloaded below.
The recent edition of D Scene reported on the submission made by Portobello Community Incorporated on the Dunedin City Council’s proposal to widen Portobello Road and the effect that the proposal will have on the township and its community. Click on the picture or the link here to read the full D Scene article.
Last nights Annual Plan consultation meeting in the Coronation Hall was well attended by residents who came to hear more about the Annual Process for 2013-2014. With presentations and discussion with the Mayor, Chief Executive and Council staff there was an opportunity to voice opinions on the road widening project and other issues in our area.
It appears that the road widening for both Harrington Point and Portobello Road appear to be on track to be included in the Annual plan. However, there is still an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the design of the proposed widening project. This is crucial if the road widening proposal is to meet the community’s recreational, conservation and landscape needs. The present configuration for the portion of widening between Bacon Street and the Portobello township needs sensitive design to meet those needs.
While the City Council may have a “big vision of liveability” for cycling and pedestrians as Mayor Dave Cull mentioned last night, liveability also means ensuring that it works for those who live beside and ultimately pay for these projects. Fundamental to that is ensuring that the values that makes Portobello such a desirable and beautiful place to live are not compromised or obliterated for the sake of an idealistic vision. It also means that the design enhances and complements the individual qualities of the Township, rather than arbitrarily using a cut and paste design. Based on the artist’s impression of the design to date, it would appear that the Council have a way to go before that criteria is met, and the community must actively participate in that process.
The Dunedin City Council will be consulting with the community on the 2013/2014 Annual Plan. This is an opportunity for Portobello & Peninsula residents to discuss its priorities in the next financial year. The Otago Peninsula Community Board also submits on the Annual Plan, but individual residents should also make submissions about the issues that they are passionate about in their community. Take the opportunity to read what the Annual Plan will mean to you as a ratepayer and how those things will affect you and your family. www.dunedin.govt.nz/draft-annual-plan
As part of the consultation process there will be a public meeting held at the Coronation Hall, Portobello on Wednesday, 13 March at 7:30pm. Portobello Community Inc. encourages everyone to take part and have your say. Annual Plan Poster
Portobello Community 