Re: ‘Have your say about precious reserve' (The Weekend Sun, June
10). A Sandel seems extraordinarily ill-informed and confused regarding the issues surrounding reserves in Omokoroa and the Kaimai Ward in general.
Firstly, there is no Western Bay of Plenty District Council decision regarding precious or any other reserve at this time, merely proposals put forward for consideration after public consultation for development or sale in total or part of reserves in the ward.
The issue of access to reserves for everyone is not disputed by anyone and indeed is actively promoted by all interested parties.
The reserves in Omokoroa are a community amenity and are for residents and visitors alike - part of the features that make the peninsula such an attractive and desirable place to visit and live.
They are an integral part of the character of the area and as such should be retained in their entirety now and in perpetuity.
By all means make them more accessible but please preserve them.
The Omokoroa community called a meeting on May 25, where Western Bay of Plenty District Council members were in attendance.
They explained the reasons behind the Kaimai Ward Plan review; and a unanimous vote by residents for a submission against the sale of reserves in Omokoroa was recorded.
Hardly a ‘minority group taking over' - more the democratic voice of the people.
Our reserves should be sacrosanct and protected from the tide of urbanisation that is sweeping the area. If it comes to a vote then I urge all to vote against any ‘sale proposals'.

R Slater, Katikati.