The good news is that steady progress is being made with the new walkway from the Boyes Beach reserve to the DOC camp and we look forward to it’s opening before the year end. This has been a great example of what can be achieved by committed and competent volunteers and in this case the leadership of Brian Law and Mike Goodwin.
It is also pleasing to note that Council will be installing reticulated toilets in the Waka Arma club rooms which will take pressure off the Boyes Beach toilets as it is expected the new walkway will prove to be well utilised by holiday makers and of course the campervans.
The tourism industry is forecasting a busy tourist season this summer as a result of the low NZ dollar so the revenue we receive from the two camp grounds can be expected to be buoyant subject of course to reasonable weather.
The new financial year for the Rotorua Lakes Council requires some major decisions on.
Refuse Disposal and Recycling
Consultation with the communities of Tarawera and Okareka continues and hopefully we will have some options suitable for bush settlements where there are large numbers of holiday homes and rentals. Also important to us is aesthetically pleasing rubbish/recycling containers in the tourist public reserves at Tarawera, Okareka and Tikitapu.
Representation Review
The committee’s decision is now out for public consultation and the outcome will be of interest as it recommends a reduction in Councillors from 12 to 10, all of rural Rotorua having a Community Board and giving Community Boards more involvement in decision making. This decision will come into affect at the Council elections in October next year.
Review of the Rotorua Lakes A Zone
This will be important for property owners in the “A” zone. The lakes in this zone are Okataina, Tikitapu,
Rotokakahi, Rotomahana, Okaro, Tarawera & Okareka. These lakes are considered to be of national importance and are listed in the RMA which became operative in 2005. It covers a number of issues including monitoring cultural heritage, national heritage, settlements and developments, water quality and interestingly the avoidance of intrusive noise levels!!
Cell Phone Coverage
The consortium of Vodafone, Chorus and Spark have at long last confirmed a suitable site for the Cell Phone tower at the top of Millar Road and it now only requires Council approval.
As always we welcome comments on any issues of interest to our residents and property owners.
Geoff Palmer
Chairman