Submissions cover many issues

A TOTAL of  197 submissions were received by the Manawatu District Council for its Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 after a four week-long public consultation period ended last Thursday, with the “usual suspects” of rates, roading and parks and reserves among the most prevalent topics.

Earthquake-prone buildings, the Makino Aquatic Centre upgrade and the Sanson building development and rugby grandstand were other subjects that attracted significant feedback.

Rate concerns centred largely on proposed increases in rural charges and a move away from targeted rates.

“Charging land owners with additional rates but no additional services is wrong,” said one submitter, who asked if any work had been done to assess whether those being charged could afford the increase.

Another submission also viewed with concern the issue of affordability for farmers, especially as there were no additional benefits from the increased rates.

“Rating must also be appropriate, and targeted rates ensures that those who benefit from a service pay the most.”

Requests for roading and footpath work at Himatangi Beach, Sanson, Rongotea, Apiti and  Kimbolton were received, as well as suggestions that State Highway 56 be renamed Rangiotu Road and that the iconic Mangaweka Bridge, when upgraded, be saved as a walkway/cycleway access bridge.

Another submitter urged council to address the state of the footpath on Makino Road and included 28 signatures from others in the area who supported the call.

Submissions on parks and reserves were wide-ranging, with one submitter highlighting the number of important vistas in the Pohangina Valley that were at risk from increasing vegetation and decreasing open space from subdivision.

“Valley Road lookout is considered the valley’s most important vista, but there are two elements of concern – how to protect and develop it,” the submitter added.

A feasibility study into Johnstone Park, Feilding, was called for, and the council was also requested to secure the future viability of the Branch Road walkway.

Safety over preservation was the belief of some submitters on the earthquake prone building issue, with one feeling that Feilding needed a fresh, modern image, not tired Edwardian facades. Another, however, said Feilding must preserve its historic buildings and the owners needed support to strengthen them.         

The submissions followed extensive council involvement with the district, including a series of public meetings that drew support, with more than 40 people attending at Rongotea and good attendances at Bunnythorpe and Tangimoana.

Public hearings for those wanting to talk to their submissions begin in the council chamber on Tuesday, May 22.