Turnbull’s Bay Road Repair

On January 31, 2014 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community Inc, Public NoticesLeave a comment

The Dunedin City Council are investigating the design and repair of the slumped section of Portobello Road, Turnbull’s Bay where the present traffic lights have been placed.

The objective is the reinstatement of the existing road plus the provision of a new 3m wide shared path. The work would see the construction of a new 180 metre wall which would range in 2-4 metres high. The wall would have a vertical face with a rough ‘rock like’ texture finish.

The proposed time frame of the works is:

Community Feedback – by 20 February 2014
Detail Design – Feb/Mar/Apr 2014
Construction – Between July and December 2014

The Council are seeking community feedback on the design of this work by February 20^th 2014 and submissions can be made in writing to the:

Dunedin City Council PO Box 5045, Moray Place, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand

Or by email to: roading.submissions@dcc.govt.nz

Everyday is a Winding Road – Portobello Road Consultation

On May 8, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community IncLeave a comment

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;

the reclamation of the old stone wall in Latham Bay, Portobello.
the burying and moving of the old cannon site from the foreshore.
the removal of the planned reclaimed bus stops.
the retention of some of the rock outcrops and geological features.

There is still many areas of the plan that need finalising, particularly;

the choice of landscaping treatments.
beach access points.
the need for proper crossing areas for our children to get to school safely.
the use of gabion walls.
how the plan deals with the pinch points at the cemetery and township

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.

Hoopers Inlet – The Rising Tide

On April 17, 2013April 18, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.

ORC Handwritten Submission Form Annual Plan

ORC Email Submission Form Annual Plan