Community Survey This has now been completed and included in this newsletter is the executive summary and a link to the full report. The response from the residents and property owners has been excellent with 227 responses and a very wide range of comments and suggestions.
APR Consultants’ initial expectation of a response to a survey of this nature was approximately 150 replies so a very big thank you to all those who made the effort to respond. The committee has not had time to discuss the results in detail. It is pleasing to note that there is excellent support for the three partnership projects we have with DOC (Management of the DOC campground and new walking track from Boyes Beach to the outlet) and RLC (Management of the Boyes Beach overnight campground).
Lake Okareka 10 year plan This was requested at last year ’s AGM and resulted in the commissioning of the survey which will form the basis of any long term plans and will be a priority for the LOCA committee in the New Year. LOCA is fortunate in having the Boyes Beach camp revenue available for projects such as the survey and the committee felt it most important it be independent and professionally managed which came at a cost (approx $8000). In my view we now have much valuable information (the raw data covered more than 100 pages) and it is an investment in the future.
Mobile Phone Coverage 2016 has seen the introduction of Mobile phone coverage and improved broadband reception at Okareka. This has been a very real asset to locals, visitors and tradesmen etc working in the area.
Waste Strategy The recent appointment of a new Waste contractor has resulted in major changes and improvements in reducing litter and rubbish in Rotorua. Smart Environmental have a 15 year contract with RCL and the introduction of wheelie bins for rubbish and recycling together with crates for bottles should result in a substantial reduction in rubbish going to the landfill. As you will see in the photos in the Newsletter the replacement of the 44 gallon drums at the public reserves with smart containers is a great improvement. There has also been an upgrade of the Tarawera recycling facility with an undercover drive thru drop off option.
End of Year With another year nearly gone I would like to record our appreciation to the many volunteers in the community who contribute to ensuring Okareka is a special place to live and holiday. At the top of the list is Landcare Okareka, Okareka volunteer rural fire force, volunteer camp wardens, walking track volunteers, the LOCA committee, the LOCA Officers Sandra and Bryan, Maria our Newsletter editor and all the others I’ve missed out. THANK YOU. Take Care and look after each other.
Geoff Palmer