- Contracted track maintenance plan in place.
- Acceptable camera security solution.
- Continue to lobby for road safety solutions to calm traffic in Lake Okareka.
- Walkway extension project progressed to stage of ‘diggers ready to dig’.
- One in five households engaged in backyard trapping.
The Harbour Master has indicated that he would be interested in funding the boat ramp camera. The committee agreed that we would pursue the installation of crime prevention cameras that are linked to the councils camera network as they would act as deterrent and tool for identifying miscreants. It is envisaged that there would be a camera at each end of Loop Rd as it enters the settlement with the possibility of one near the boat ramp, the cameras would be capable of number plate recognition 24/7. The installation of fibre optics is timely as this will provide a high speed connection to the camera network. Access to images is controlled by the council and their policy regarding access to images can be found here:
https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/officialinformation/OIA2018/Documents/LGOIMA-CCTV_Policy.pdf
In short you will need to make a complaint to the Police who will request the relevant images as part of their investigation.
The committee decided to find a contractor to carry out maintenance on the Boyes Beach – DOC Camp track and the grounds of the DOC camp. Since the meeting we have engaged a contractor to carry out the maintenance. Work will commence in early June.
On the 22nd May Rotorua Lakes Community Board (RLCB) held their meeting at the hall. Rob Griffiths spoke to the meeting and said the Council supports in principle the extension of the camera network to include Lake Okareka. He said that it would be desirable to have:
- Police crime statistics for the area (these have been requested)
- Canvassed the Lake Okareka community for support (we will be doing that shortly)
- Provide information to the community about the proposed network, how it works and access to images
There were extensive discussions regarding road speeds on Okareka’s roads and options to slow them down. It appears that the Council is listening but we need to follow their process. Firstly this will involve the Okareka community having a majority of people wanting something to be done about traffic speeds. If the majority want something done the Council will investigate various solutions and help us choose one. People at the meeting did not like the idea of speed ramps/bumps and rumble strips. Other ideas such as pinch points or other road engineering to slow the traffic down appear to be more practical. The LOCA committee at the next will discuss how we are going to find out what residents want with regards to traffic speeds.
Council officials also briefed us on:
- Progress with the boat ramp upgrades. These should be completed in time for Queens Birthday weekend.
- New amenities at Boyes beach. Construction will commence in June. When the new block is completed the existing building will be removed.
- Upgrade of toilets near the boat ramp will also be starting soon
- Forest access development on Tarawera Rd (opposite the black cottage). The Council is developing a major forest access hub with up to parking for 400 cars. Alterations to Tarawera Rd will also start soon.
- The Te Ngae/Tarawera Rd roundabout is also going to have some work done on it to and the introduction of lights to try and ease congestion. The roundabout will be light controlled.
Don’t forget the ceremony tomorrow morning at the Fire Station for the blessing prior to construction of the new station. Tuesday 28th May – 10am.
Mike Vincent
Chairman
LOCA