LTCCP process nearing end

 MANAWATU District Council’s lengthy process regarding its 2009/19 Draft Long Term Council Community Plan is coming to a close with councillors expected to formally adopt the plan at the scheduled monthly meeting next Thursday (June 18).
A record 366 submissions were received this year, compared to 97 when the LTCCP last went out to public consultation in 2006, and 61 individuals, businesses and organisations presented their proposals during three days of hearings.

Community and Strategic Development Officer, Tracey Hunt, was pleased at such a response from the community and said all submitters to the plan would receive a letter from council about the outcome of their presentation.

The public consultation phase this year was boosted by the appearance of six “Nice to Have” projects, with the community having to priority list the proposed initiatives - broadband, Leisureville-Makino Park, Leisureville-Makino Aquatic Centre, Kowhai Park aviary, Feilding CBD redevelopment and pathway development.
Strategic Planner, Philip Bronn, said broadband had proved popular and the $40,000 set aside in 2010/11 to progress the project would remain.

“The desire to keep up with modern technology and ensure there is adequate telecommunications infrastructure for local businesses were some of the reasons cited for support,” he said.

Mr Bronn said the proposed redevelopment of the Feilding CBD was also popular, with submitters feeling it would keep the town moving forward.

“Many consider that it is the CBD which makes Feilding attractive, with some also pointing out that a greater proportion of the cost of redevelopment falls on CBD businesses.”
He said the Leisureville components in Makino Park would remain, with a concept plan to be developed over the next year including topographical surveys, engineering design works, a timeline of work and possible funding sources.

The hydroslide is to be left out of the MAC project, though the water playground, spa and learner and lap pool proposals are to remain.

Mr Bronn said the pathway development would remain in the LTCCP, with council to allocate $57,000 per annum to develop walkways and cycleways in line with the Manawatu Active Transport Strategy.

No funding has been allocated to the Kowhai Park aviary, with many feeling the work should be sponsored by a service group.