We had discussions with a concerned resident about the recent spate of theft and burglaries at Okareka and the need for crime prevention cameras at both ends of the Okareka Loop Road. Kim Lorigan has been discussing crime prevention cameras with the Rotorua Lakes Council and the Police who are both keen for a camera system to be set up. We are waiting for quotes, funding options and details of the technology. The Police have said that as a minimum we should have a system that is capable of reading vehicle registrations. The recordings/images would be held and accessed only by the Police. When we have more details we will consult with the community before we commit to anything. We understand that this may not move at a pace that will suit some residents but in the long term working with the Police will provide us with a robust, well managed crime prevention camera system that complies with the Privacy Act.
We spent a reasonable amount of time revising our strategic plan. A copy is attached and if you have any feedback we would be pleased to hear it. Over the next month we will be giving consideration to three things that we can work on over the next year to help us achieve our goals.
Gregg Brown represented us at meeting organised by the Lakes Community Board concerning rubbish collection at the lake, this has resulted in a promise of more bins at Boyes Beach during busy times. One issue that remains to be solved is toxic and hazardous waste collection. Currently RLC and Smart Environmental do not seem to have this covered. We will be on their case regarding this until we get a satisfactory result. If you have any rubbish concerns or see bins at reserves overflowing please ring the council on 07 348 4199.
Since our last meeting with have approached the RLC about engineering solutions that can be implemented at Lake Okareka to make the roads safer. The reply we got was less than ideal and directed us to a future planning round. This issue has been taken up with the Lakes Community Board.
The lake level is currently at an acceptable level which is good. As we move into the winter this should provide us with a buffer against heavy rainfall. The current lake level should make life easier for the contractors working on the upgrade of the boat ramp and jetty. Work is scheduled to start shortly. This may cause some inconvenience but it is intended to keep at least one ramp open when possible during the construction period.
The Regional Council will be conducting spraying operations to control invasive lake weeds, this work will sometime around 25th May. When we know more we will let you know.
Thank you to those of you who have returned your questionnaire so that we can update and improve our database of residents for several communication objectives such as neighbourhood support and civil defence, distribution of information on community issues and possibly the publication of a new community phonebook. If you haven't yet returned yours please find a copy attached to complete and return to this email address.
On a disappointing note it has been reported that vandals are interfering and damaging catfish and rat traps around the lake. If you have any idea who may be doing this please explain to them that these traps are inherent to our wish to make Okareka predator and pest free.
The Lakes Community Board will be holding a meeting at the Lake Okareka Hall on the 22 May. At this time the main topics will be traffic safety and security at Lake Okareka. This is a public meeting so come along and have your say. We will keep you informed as more details become available.
Cheers
Mike Vincent
LOCA - Chairman
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