CONTENTIOUS: Fluoridation is under debate.
It's arguably the most important document Whangarei District Council formulates every year - its Draft Annual Plan - that sets out the council's programme of work and anticipated income for the 2014/15 financial year.
When the plan went out for public consultation the council received 140 submissions, with 70 of those wanting to speak on their submissions before the council at Forum North yesterday and today.
The plan includes a rates rise of 2.5 per cent; predicts an operating deficit of $8 million and a debt of $161.3 million.
The council will deliberate on the submissions on June 4, and the final Annual Plan will be adopted on June 25. Here is just a small selection of some of the submissions to the Whangarei District Council's Draft Annual Plan being heard this week:
Northland District Health Board's Public and Population Health Services:
Transportation:
Forestry and heavy traffic on unsealed roads can generate dust emissions which adversely impact on air quality and health. This issue does not appear to be considered in any depth in the plan, although it is of considerable community concern in areas with forestry ... We therefore urge a more rapid mitigation response by WDC for areas where there is high frequency/volume of logging trucks and other heavy vehicles.
High volumes of logging trucks also raise road safety issues which need to be addressed.
Support further development of cycle and walkways.
We ask the council to reconsider its decision on fluoridation of its reticulated water supplies. We believe that water fluoridation is a very effective way of improving the oral health of our communities and will reduce the marked inequities we see in the oral health of children.
Planning and Regulatory services:
Develop a Local Approved Products Policy (Lapp) for psychoactive substances (legal highs): Research indicates these products are not only associated with adverse physical health, but also cause serious mental and social health issues.
Local Alcohol Policy: We support robust community consultation on this matter, given the significant impact of alcohol harm in communities ...
Northland Regional Council:
Has significant concerns that again there is deferral of capital works in key areas such as stormwater, wastewater and flood protection.
Also concerned WDC has not adequately funded its role in delivering the Whangarei Harbour Action Plan, above, and asks that funding is sufficient to meet WDC commitments.
Flood protection in the Hikurangi Swamp requires funding to allow the scheme to function as designed.
Asking for bus-stops at Okara Park and Springs Flat and funding for bus-shelter maintenance and upgrades.
Te Huinga (which advocates for Whangarei hapu):
Selling of non-strategic lands:
Of concern ... is land owned by WDC either as reserve land or land acquired under the Public Works Act which could be or is subject to sale.
We would like the council to develop a policy in tandem with Te Huinga enabling the land banking of these parcels of land through the office of Treaty Settlement for future (Waitangi Tribunal) settlement.
Rates:
... believe council needs to examine on a regular basis how rates are structured to ensure there is a degree of equality and fairness.
We ask that rating on Maori land be discussed in more detail through (the council's) Te Karearea forum.
Financial approach - strategy and management:
Te Huinga supports council exercising financial prudence and providing value for money, especially regarding core services such as sewerage/wastewater, water supply, stormwater and flood protection and essential transport and infrastructure.
Steve Goldthorpe:
I believe there is an urgent need for an independent mayoral inquiry into the Marsden City plan ... the flat coastal plain at Ruakaka is a foolish place to consider founding a permanent city, because of the inevitability that the land will be inundated by the sea at some future date because ... of climate change.
To review the implications for Whangarei CBD from sea level rises.
To explore ... the potential for a barrage across Hatea River estuary from the port area to Onerahi to protect the CBD from sea level rise.
Toilets at Pohe Island - BMX track/dog exercise park.
A number of submitters supported the need for toilets on Pohe Island at the BMX track or the nearby dog park.
A noisy sports centre:
A number of submitters asked the council to provide for a noisy sports centre including for shooting and motor sports, with Flyger Rd the most popular.
Cycle and walking tracks:
Quite a few submitters wanted more walking and cycling ways in the district, including ones from Whangarei to Ngunguru and from Waipu to Waipu Cove.
Leanne Thorn:
Wants children's playgrounds at the Town Basin, Laurie Hall Park and Mander Park fenced and includes a petition signed by 525 supporters.
University of the 3rd Age:
Wants a senior playground on Pohe Island, where the elderly can meet, with gardens, trees, seats, toilets, and shelter. "A place where we can talk, sing, perform, walk, exercise, share ideas and play games or just enjoy the peace and quiet ... "
Whangarei Heads Citizens Association:
Wants pull-over bays for slow traffic on Whangarei Heads Rd and work on traffic safety/speeds at McLeod Bay.
Hikurangi multi-sports complex:
Submitters from Hikurangi - both community groups and individuals - want action on setting up a multi-sports centre in the town.
Hihiaua Cultural Centre Trust (which is behind plans for a Maori cultural centre and associated waka shelter on Hihiaua):
Submit that the council should agree to remit and refund the trust's resource consent application fee for the waka shelter of $1500.
Seek a meaningful cash contribution from the council towards building the new waka shelter that has been brought forward to accommodate the council's wish to have a waka on the river.
Hundertwasser Arts Centre (HAC) proposal, above:
Plenty of support (including from business and tourism groups) and opposition for the controversial plan, with one submitter - Dave Wolland - suggesting the old Harbour Building earmarked for HAC if it is approved instead be turned into a time museum that could incorporate the Clapham's Clock Museum collection.
Holocaust memorial:
Northland Jewish Association and Bridges for Peace group want agreement in principle to construct a memorial to all victims of Nazi persecution, and has suggested near the waterfall in Laurie Hall Park or the Town Basin as suitable sites. It says Northland has many memorials to its fallen soldiers, but no Holocaust memorial and says private donors could fund the memorial with the council asked for less than $10,000 to site the memorial.