Council roadshow a success

A lime coloured caravan, a couple of deck chairs and some friendly faces have proved a recipe for success when it comes to consulting communities on a draft Long Term Plan.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council's LTP roadshow attracted almost 300 people in 10 different locations across the district this month, and received widespread positive feedback from the public.


The Western Bay of Plenty District Council's LTP roadshow. Photo: Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The roadshow strayed from traditional methods of public consultation, and saw councillors and staff meet ratepayers and residents in their communities.

With a retro caravan in tow, a welcoming camping scene was set up at each location to encourage people to discuss their concerns in a casual, informal setting.

More than 100 people visited the Katikati event, where a new library and the future of the Katikati Heritage Museum were hot topics. Omokoroa and Waihi Beach also drew large crowds, where cycleways and storm water proved areas of concern.

Western Bay Mayor Ross Paterson wishes to thank everyone who came to the roadshow.

'This was a great chance for people to talk to councillors about the LTP in a casual manner, and a lot of people took that opportunity,” says Ross.

'It was not only a way to hear our ratepayers and residents' concerns, but a chance to build stronger relationships with communities. The LTP is, after all, about making the best plan for our communities that we can.”

Ross says the idea for the roadshow was born from last year's 'Portraits of Our Place' which showed people wanted more one-on-one time with councillors and the chance to more readily share concerns.

'It's been great to hear people's feedback,” he adds, 'which will be taken very seriously in the next few weeks as we make changes to the draft LTP.”

Council's planning and community relationships acting manager Liz Davies says council went into the roadshow hoping to see 300 people.

'And we pretty much achieved that,” says Liz, 'which is fantastic. The whole thing was received really well.”

She says people responded to the casual approach, and appreciated being met in their own communities.

'There were a lot of positive comments about the camping style set up,” she adds. 'This was a risk for us and it has paid off.”

The draft LTP is reviewed by council every three years, and outlines what work council will do over the next decade, the reasons behind their decisions and what it will cost.

It is out for public consultation from March 27 to April 30. Currently, almost 200 submissions have been received.

To give feedback, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz and click on the Long Term Plan section. Submissions close at 4pm, April 30.

People who make a submission will be able to discuss this further with councillors at four feedback sessions, to be held on:

Saturday, May 9 - Waihi Beach RSA, 9am

Monday, May 11 - Council Chambers, Barkes Corner, 9am

Tuesday, May 12 - Katikati St Peter's Church, 9am

Wednesday, May 13 - Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 4pm

The final Long Term Plan will be adopted on Thursday, June 25, with the proposed work programme coming into effect on Wednesday, July 1 this year.

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1 comment

IS THAT RIGHT ?

Posted on 23-04-2015 11:35 | By kellbell

Only 300 people in a month in 10 different locations. I am not sure how you could rationalise that is a success but then Councils are always creative.


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