Feedback 'positive' on council plan

Positive feedback on the Stratford District Council's long term plan consultation document flooded in at consultation meetings throughout the district last week.

Members of the public were invited along to hear from mayor Neil Volzke, councillors and council staff as they presented the 'big projects' in the long term plan.

With the change to legislation the SDC were required to produce a consultation document, Neil says "the consultation document for the long term plan is an easy to read document, that outlines what council has identified as the key issues facing us in the next three years. These issues are really important in shaping our future direction".

At the Stratford meeting Brian Jeffares, past mayor of Stratford, said "this is the most well written document the SDC has produced, I had a great time reading through it and I feel encouraged to have my say".

At each of the consultation meetings questions arose from members of the public in regards to several of the council's plans. In Whangamomona local man Joe Connor questioned the predictability of future dairy payouts in relation to the extension of the council farm. While recognising that there are other economic factors involved in farming, "I still feel dubious about the council buying extra land when we can't guarantee the rate of the dairy payout."

At the Whakaahurangi marae, comments were expressed in regards to the look of the town at the north and south entrances, with a suggestion of including the Maori name for Stratford at each entrance.

Neil says the council are very keen to get feedback from the community and factor that into our thinking when we make final decisions in May. Submissions can be made on line or on the hard copy document. "We look forward to hearing from you and I'd like to thank those who attended our meetings" says Neil.