Dame Susan Devoy: Mount hot pool debate

I walk up and around Mauao on a regular basis as many do given the number of familiar faces I see.
Regardless of the weather, it is a real jewel in our crown and a well used and admired landmark. I prefer walking in the winter months, it's easier to park and less congested but the trek either up or around always provides the same cathartic result.
Often in winter that peninsula appears deserted, even more so now with the Mount Hot Pools closed for repairs. Sure the usuals sit supping their flat whites and the hardy surfers catch their regular waves, but it certainly isn't a hive of activity and I imagine for many, especially the locals, that is an attraction.
A welcome relief from the crowds who flock to this majestic beach in the height of summer. Despite some press releases I'm not convinced that the majority of local residents understand that this week will be a critical turning point for the future of the Mount Hot Pools and as well as for one of New Zealand's most popular beaches. On July 19 mediation will take place between Tauranga City Aquatics Ltd (TCAL), the body that runs the Tauranga swimming network on behalf of the council, and the newly formed Mount Protection Society (MPS), who arguably are not happy with the new plans to upgrade the saltwater pools.
As I understand - and I may not have all the facts (but I am sure someone in the supermarket will enlighten me to the error of my ways as they have done so since I began penning this column) - independent commissioner Greg Hill has refused the application to refurbish and extend the pools. He is bound by the Resource Management Act and, therefore, issues of need or financial viability were not relevant in his decision.
TCAL's plans include new changing rooms, no one could argue with that, future-proofing of the 1980s pipework and, given that the hot pools are now closed for that very reason, no one would disagree with that either.
They intend to refurbish the main pool, increase disabled access, the addition of three new salt water sensation pools and two new children's freshwater pools as well as a wellness centre.
After falling at the first hurdle TCAL has now redrafted its plans to address the points made by the commissioner in regard to the scale of the redevelopment, height and the effect on green space and parking.
The cost is $7.5 million and, believe it or not, will not come from ratepayers' pockets. TCAL will repay the loan and interest with revenue generated by the complex.
So herein lies the question: What do the locals really think? We know the Mount Protection Society are opposed and ready to go to battle. Some of the letters to the editor and online comments suggest a sceptism around the promise that ratepayers will not be required to foot the bill.
Unfortunately, the track record at City Hall makes that all the harder to believe, especially when we know that our rates are used to maintain some pool complexes in town. Let's face it BayWave hasn't been without its detractors and there are certainly ongoing issues with regards to usage and fees.
Tourism BOP and Priority One have come out in support which is understandable as they are concerned about the growth and progress and the future of our city but they also come under criticism as they are funded by council and people perceive that these organisations start to look like lots of little piggies with their snouts in the same trough.
I love the Mount. I haven't been to the hot pools since Adam was a cowboy but I believe the upgrading of the complex would be a major asset to our community and potentially a major tourist attraction.
Over the years I have enjoyed many trips to Hanmer Springs with my family and would love to see something similar complement the Mount. The opponents to this project seem to come from two camps - those with a genuine concern about the effect on the environment and those who believe this is a waste of money and believe the ratepayer will be left to foot the bill.
The conservation of Mauao is critical in all of these decisions but if there is a way to address the environmental concerns, by perhaps reducing the scale and its effect on the landscape and provide some certainty that ratepayers will not be left to foot the bill then it should be allowed to progress. But like everything the wheels of change turn slowly and regardless of the decision at this week's mediation I sense the battle might be over but the war is just beginning.