Editorial: Council must play its part

Kelly Barclay is proposing to council to build a museum in the Cliff St area. Photo / Ruth Keber

During the past few weeks, we've seen numerous Tauranga residents take it upon themselves to get stuff done.

It started with the huge cycle rally to encourage Tauranga City Council to reconsider its decision not to fund part of a planned cycleway. Hundreds turned up.

Then came people passionate about the Tropical Display House. They organised a petition and collected more than 500 signatures against council plans to close it.

A group of high-profile local businessmen have also recently announced their plan to consider what new amenities the city needs and start work to make them happen. The projects include a museum and a stadium.

Most recently, a Tauranga service club pledged $100,000 towards the cycleway if the council agreed to pay the remaining $400,000 needed to make the project happen.

I'm impressed by the dedication and initiative of each of those groups.

They are exactly the sort of people we need to make sure the city moves forward.

They are passionate enough about the issues to take action in whatever way they are able.

Not everyone has the skills or resources to donate money or co-ordinate major projects but signing a petition or turning up to a rally is no less important, and I applaud everyone who has done their bit.

Having independent groups get behind these projects will help get things moving much faster. Tauranga needs these amenities if it is to continue growing.

A cycleway, museum and stadium will help attract visitors to the region and make it a more desirable place to live.

The council has found itself in a tough position.

A number of councillors campaigned on reducing debt and their focus has been just that.

The council is focused on cutting unnecessary spending but it cannot forget we are a growing city that needs to continue to attract new people.

It needs to find a balance between cost cutting and driving our city forward.

The council needs to be willing to back these groups and contribute some funding to make sure the projects go ahead.