Voting returns encouraging

VOTING returns from the community polls measuring the level of interest in proposed wastewater and water supply schemes at Himatangi Beach and Rongotea have been encouraging.

With more than a week’s voting time left, 47 percent of Rongotea’s eligible voters have returned their papers, while 38 percent of the land owners at Himatangi Beach have responded.

Manawatu District Council sent out voting papers two weeks ago to 442 land owners at Himatangi Beach and 297 at Rongotea.

The community polls are being conducted concurrently by the Christchurch-based organisation, electionz.com, which is responsible for running local body elections for some local authorities, including Manawatu.

Voters have until noon on Thursday, April 8, to indicate whether they support the implementation of their particular scheme or not.

The poll involves only one vote per property and the following methodology is to be used by council in making a decision:
* If less than 40 percent of the valid votes cast vote “yes”, then the project would not proceed.
* If more than 60 percent of the valid votes cast vote “yes”, then the project would proceed.
* If between 40 percent and 60 percent (including 40 percent and 60 percent) of the valid votes cast vote “yes”, the council would determine whether to proceed or not.
Results of the polls are expected to be posted to the MDC website by 2pm on Monday, April 12.
Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, repeated a call for land owners to vote as council wanted good feedback for its April meeting.