The LOCA committee held its monthly meeting this week and as usual there was good discussion on a number of topics.
Lake level. The level of the lake is creeping up again and is causing concern. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) has told us that this is because outlet flows have been decreased whilst construction works by the Waitangi Stream is being done downstream. Flows were to be increased this week. This on face value is reasonable but if levels do not start to drop next week we will contact them again.
Jetty and boat ramp. Whilst the Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) has done a lot of work the outcome at present is less than ideal. The ramps at low lake levels are not suitable for boats with inboard motors and there are gaps between the ramps and jetties which may be a problem when launching. It is not clear how the Council will address these issues but they will be in touch with us again next week. The Council is going to make improvements to the parking area by sealing the whole car park, painting of white lines and planting of gardens. There are ongoing discussions with the Council and Harbour Master about the control of swimmers in the area. Banning swimmers is not an option as it would be largely ignored and we are keen to ensure the safety of any swimmers. Once again discussions are taking place with the Council and Lakes Community Board.
Old Fire Station. When the Fire Brigade move into their new facility the Council offered the use of the old building to the community. The committee agreed that this could be a useful asset although LOCA is reluctant to inherit a large maintenance liability. The Council has not indicated how they would see the proposal working and consequently we are keeping an open mind on the matter until more details are available.
AED & first aid kit for the hall. Mercury Energy has generously donated $1,200 towards the costs of an AED and first aid kit to be located at the hall. LOCA will make up the short fall of the funding and take on the ongoing upkeep of the new equipment. The AED will have both Adult and child paddles.
LOCA funds and community groups access to them. LOCA is accumulating substantial funds from income at the Boyes Beach and DOC camps. We envisage community groups asking for access to these. The committee believes that we must have a transparent and robust process for the allocation of funds that will meet the rigours of audits and governance. It was agreed that applicants for funds must provide:
LOCA would ensure the project is aligned with our aims, that we have funds available and decide if income from the DOC or Boyes Beach camps should be used. Both DOC and Rotorua Lakes Council have stated expectations for the use of funds in our agreements with them.
Wetland project. Landcare have proposed that they want to start a project to restore the wetland that sits between the lake and Millar Rd. This is a great idea and are we lucky to have a group within the community with the energy and knowledge to take on such a project. LOCA believes we should be able to support the project with some funds once planning is complete and details of funds required become available.
Debbie Surtees, a long standing member of the committee who has put a lot of energy into the management of the camps, will be resigning as she is moving from Okareka. Debbie’s input and insights will be missed
Regards
Mike Vincent
Lake Okareka Community Association
PO Box 6210, Rotorua 3043
Lake level. The level of the lake is creeping up again and is causing concern. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) has told us that this is because outlet flows have been decreased whilst construction works by the Waitangi Stream is being done downstream. Flows were to be increased this week. This on face value is reasonable but if levels do not start to drop next week we will contact them again.
Jetty and boat ramp. Whilst the Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) has done a lot of work the outcome at present is less than ideal. The ramps at low lake levels are not suitable for boats with inboard motors and there are gaps between the ramps and jetties which may be a problem when launching. It is not clear how the Council will address these issues but they will be in touch with us again next week. The Council is going to make improvements to the parking area by sealing the whole car park, painting of white lines and planting of gardens. There are ongoing discussions with the Council and Harbour Master about the control of swimmers in the area. Banning swimmers is not an option as it would be largely ignored and we are keen to ensure the safety of any swimmers. Once again discussions are taking place with the Council and Lakes Community Board.
Old Fire Station. When the Fire Brigade move into their new facility the Council offered the use of the old building to the community. The committee agreed that this could be a useful asset although LOCA is reluctant to inherit a large maintenance liability. The Council has not indicated how they would see the proposal working and consequently we are keeping an open mind on the matter until more details are available.
AED & first aid kit for the hall. Mercury Energy has generously donated $1,200 towards the costs of an AED and first aid kit to be located at the hall. LOCA will make up the short fall of the funding and take on the ongoing upkeep of the new equipment. The AED will have both Adult and child paddles.
LOCA funds and community groups access to them. LOCA is accumulating substantial funds from income at the Boyes Beach and DOC camps. We envisage community groups asking for access to these. The committee believes that we must have a transparent and robust process for the allocation of funds that will meet the rigours of audits and governance. It was agreed that applicants for funds must provide:
- Plan/scope of what is be achieved
- Time line
- How much is requested from LOCA
- Evidence of how it was spent
LOCA would ensure the project is aligned with our aims, that we have funds available and decide if income from the DOC or Boyes Beach camps should be used. Both DOC and Rotorua Lakes Council have stated expectations for the use of funds in our agreements with them.
Wetland project. Landcare have proposed that they want to start a project to restore the wetland that sits between the lake and Millar Rd. This is a great idea and are we lucky to have a group within the community with the energy and knowledge to take on such a project. LOCA believes we should be able to support the project with some funds once planning is complete and details of funds required become available.
Debbie Surtees, a long standing member of the committee who has put a lot of energy into the management of the camps, will be resigning as she is moving from Okareka. Debbie’s input and insights will be missed
Regards
Mike Vincent
Lake Okareka Community Association
PO Box 6210, Rotorua 3043
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