We are currently paying a fixed targeted rate for water usage of $214 per annum where usage recorded on the meter is on average more than 50% less. Where is the incentive to save water?
Answer: In the 2012-2022 long-term plan the targeted rates structure for water supplies was changed and individual supplies were standardised to the urban rate. Okareka previously had the lowest water rates in the district. The new rate does provide a financial discouragement for excessive use, but also recognises the high costs in providing a water service.
The Okareka Community is interested in participating with RDC to manage freedom camping at Boyes Beach.
Answer: Council resolved to transfer responsibility for collecting “freedom camping” fees to the Okareka Community Association. As a result we have now finalised an agreement to manage the freedom campers and the estimated annual revenue of approximately $10,000 will be available for community projects.
After nearly 5 years we have finally received approval from RDC, DOC and Iwi to proceed with the Walking Track from Boyes Beach to the DOC camp ground and hope to have funding and a work schedule in place with a suitable contractor in the near future. Some of the funding will come from the revenue from our management of the DOC campground and some of the labour from volunteers.
The DOC campground is currently being upgraded in the campervan parking area as a result of erosion since it opened over 2 years ago and we are grateful for the assistance at short notice from local contractor Guy Gaddum. Many thanks Guy.
The 2015 Ultra Marathon will be held on Waitangi weekend (February 7) and we are meeting shortly with organisers to discuss the impact on the community and visitors etc. The expectation is for 1000 competitors and like last year Boyes Beach will be one of the drink/feed stations but this time it is one of the busiest weekends of the year. It follows on from events at the Blue Lake on both Wellington and Auckland Anniversary weekends.
We continue to be concerned at the growing popularity of the area over the summer with the pressure on the roads, lakes, toilets etc and bringing new events, together with the popularity of walking tracks, mountain biking, freedom camping etc.
The Lakes Community Board in association with LOCA and the LTRA have been successful in having RDC agree to the Transfer Station for recycling and rubbish being open during the day every day of the year. It will continue to be open the two half days a week (Wednesday and Sunday) for trailers etc and from 8am to 6 pm every day but only for foot access through a small gate. It was hoped that approval from the Regional Council for an amended Resource Consent would be finalized by now to enable new signage etc to be in place for the fishing season opening on 1st October.
As you can see we will have a busy summer and we are always on the lookout for VOLUNTEERS to help out so anyone interested please make contact with Sandra Goodwin.
Also as you will see I have been brief with this summary. If you are interested in more detail please make contact with myself or any of the committee. As always we welcome comments on any issues of interest to our residents and property owners.
Geoff Palmer
Chairman