Two weeks left to have say on Local Board Plan

There are now two weeks left for residents to formally register their views on the Draft Waiheke Local Board Plan.

Improved stormwater management, increased weed control and better physical infrastructure, to meet resident and visitor needs, are just a few of the priorities being proposed by the Waiheke Local Board.

The Waiheke Local Board Draft Plan sets out the aspirations and priorities for Waiheke (including Rakino and the other Islands under the Board’s jurisdiction) over the next three years.

It will provide the Waiheke Local Board with an approved framework to undertake activities on behalf of the Waiheke community.

Suggested priorities were identified earlier this year following extensive public engagement.

They will be further refined and then formalised in October once all submissions have been received and hearings completed.

A Waiheke Local Board Draft Plan summary, containing a submission form, was delivered to every household on Waiheke Island earlier this month.

Full copies of the Draft Plan are available at the Waiheke Community Library at Artworks and the Waiheke Service Centre, or by phoning and requesting one from Council on (09) 3010101.

Submissions can also be made online via www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay . The closing date for submissions is 8 August.

Board Chair Faye Storer is urging Islanders to participate in this important planning process by submitting their issues and ideas.

“The Waiheke Local Board Plan will become a blueprint document for the Board to work from, so it is important that residents and ratepayers consider submitting on this,” she says.

“We can then carefully consider all ideas and concerns and prioritise them accordingly.

“The plan will inform and guide future works programmes and set the strategic vision and direction for Waiheke going forward in the context of a larger regional Auckland Council.

“Because of this, it is important that we get this right and strike a good balance in terms of overall direction and considered priorities,” says Ms Storer.

Other draft Waiheke Local Board Plan projects include:

• Extending the Waiheke walkway network to a seven day round-Island walk
• Wetland restoration
• Retaining a unique suite of signage for Waiheke and Rakino Islands
• Ensuring there is no further development at Matiatia until a full review of all existing plans has been completed
• Showcasing our creative base through public art
• Better management of public facilities and public areas during peak visitor periods