Robust vociferous, damning criticism on the proposed remedial works spend up on Mount base track that has rocketed from about $3million to around $7million is completely justified.

The projected cost is obscene when, in simple terms, close inspection shows all that's needed to remediate 20 metres of damaged track (caused not by slipping but uprooted tree) is cut back and batter the upper banked area above the track.

Tauranga examples abound where this has been successfully achieved for less than $200,000. Time frame for remedial work is one month. Leave existing stairs in place in case future damage occurs and do not risk intruding into nor degrading the foreshore/beach area.

TCC has no idea about budgeting, nor getting bang for bucks spent and recent examples include Greerton roadworks, Phoenix Park, Durham Street roadworks and Marine Precinct etc, etc. All bear testament to TCC's fiscal madness and mindsets.

The failure to govern responsibly and come up with practical, cost-effective solutions loses TCC ratepayers mega millions annually and must stop.

If TCC and/or Maori interests don't have skill sets to address remedial work then authorise locals to organise contractors quotes, provide design plans, obtain BRC consents, Geotech engineers certification along with Workplace Health & Safety approval.

Sally Paterson, Ohauiti