Have your say on our Long Term Plan, Tairua Skatepark opens next month
Published on 08 March 2024
Image: Brent Courtney/Explore Thames
Long term budgets and proposals out now for your feedback
Now’s the time to give us your take on the projects and budgets we’re proposing for the next 10 years and beyond - with the formal consultation phase of our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan starting today and running through to Monday 8 April.
We’ve prepared our draft project priorities and budgets for 2024-2034 and beyond, and we’d like to know your take on our proposals. There are some big challenges ahead for the Coromandel and we want to hear your thoughts on how we tackle them.
The challenges ahead
Like many councils around Aotearoa New Zealand, we’ve got some big challenges ahead:
- A large roading repair and improvement programme to fix damage done by last year’s cyclones
- Costly coastal protection works to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels
- Ageing infrastructure (like water treatment plants) that must be replaced
- The rising cost of living and high inflation
- Higher government compliance standards that must be met
- A shortage of affordable housing.
What is the Long Term Plan/LTP?
The LTP is a key planning document that we develop every three years. It outlines all the things our Council does and how they fit together. It contains the strategic direction for Council’s finances and infrastructure, identifies what projects we plan to do over the next 10 years and beyond, and what we estimate it will cost to pay for them. The Plan also sets the rates for the 2024/24 financial year, and forecasts indicative rates for the remaining nine years of the coming decade.
How can you give your feedback?
- Do it online: Click on the ‘Give us your feedback’ button below for a quick and easy way to tell us what you think. This is our preferred option as it’s quicker and easier to process the submissions, and that saves money.
- Tell us face to face: You can share your views in person at a Council hearing in late April/early May. Please fill in a feedback form or send us an email to book a time.
- Pick up a form from one of our service centres or libraries, or download it below (under Supporting Information), then either:
- Email: consultation@tcdc.govt.nz with ‘LTP feedback’ in the subject line
- Deliver in person to one of our Council service centres at Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamatā; or
- Post: LTP feedback, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Private Bag 1001, Thames 3540.
What are the next steps for our LTP?
Opening date set for Tairua Skatepark
Tairua Skatepark will have an official opening Monday 15 April. An event will be held to mark this occasion with more information to come soon.
The ramps and bowl have been poured with just a few of the flat areas remaining.
Site furniture is starting to be installed and the final shaping of the acoustic mound is taking place.
We ask that, although it is starting to look complete, you do not let yourselves into the site and try to skate on the fresh concrete. The concrete still needs to be sealed to avoid it being damaged and there are still a lot of hazards around the construction site.
Stay up-to-date with project news by signing up to our weekly newsletter. Visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/subscribe.
Have your say – Representation Review 2024
Our Council is reviewing how our local communities are represented. This is called a Representation Review and it will come into effect for our October 2025 local body elections. We are keen to hear from our communities to understand how you feel about some key parts of Council’s structure.
At its 31 October 2023 meeting, our Council unanimously voted to establish one or more Māori Wards for the 2025 Local Elections. This is what has triggered the representation review process, to make sure our communities are fairly and effectively represented at Council. The review does not revisit the decision to establish Māori Wards.
This survey will help us to understand how our communities feel about key aspects of our current representation structure. Your feedback will help to inform our proposal, which will go out for formal consultation later this year. The survey will be open until Sunday March 31 2024. Everyone who completes the survey will go in the draw to win one of two $100 Prezzy Cards.
Next week, you will also be able to pick up a hard copy from our Council offices, District Libraries, or download one here. If you have any questions, feel free to email repreview@tcdc.govt.nz.
Opportunities at our Council
Our current job vacancies are:
At our Council we ensure work-life balance is not just a dream but a reality. We offer an array of staff benefits including flexible work arrangements, relocation allowance, free parking, sick leave on commencement of employment and more.
Planned night closures: Hetherington/Martyn Rd roundabout and bridge
Our contractors Ventia will be undertaking essential resurfacing works on the Hetherington Road/Martyn Road roundabout along with the approaches of the Hetherington Road bridge in Whangamatā.
To minimise disruption, improve efficiency and complete the works safety the crew will completing the works at night under road closures with a detour route via the State Highway. The road closures will be at the Hetherington Road/Martyn Road roundabout along with a section of Hetherington Road as shown below.
Closure details:
Sunday 10 March to Monday 11 March: 7pm to 6am
Monday 11 March to Tuesday 12 March: 7pm to 6am
Please note that works are weather dependant so may be subject to change.
Complete the Hauraki Rail Trail survey
Call-out to cyclists: please help the Hauraki Rail Trail shape its future by providing feedback through their survey.
It'll only take 10 minutes and will help support its future and funding decisions. Each completed survey will also go into the draw to win a prize.
Take the survey by clicking the link below.
Chorus hosting community info session in Pāuanui
Chorus are expanding their fibre internet network in our region, which means fibre broadband will soon be more accessible.
Come along to their upcoming information session to get an overview and find out more about how you can get connected to fibre.
Even if you’re on a fixed-term satellite or wireless broadband contract you can still get fibre installed and then switch to a fibre internet and/or phone plan when the term finishes.
Location: Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club, 100 Augusta Drive, Pāuanui 3671
When: Wednesday 20 March
Time: 3pm-6pm Refreshments provided.
Collaborative efforts to manage exotic caulerpa
Last week the government announced that the exotic caulerpa response programme is getting a $5 million funding boost. This will accelerate the work underway testing potential removal techniques, build our understanding of this pest in the New Zealand environment, and help prevent its spread.
The funding will be used to further test surveillance and local elimination of exotic caulerpa, address perimeter management of affected areas and undertake more detailed surveillance of the incursion at Ahuahu Great Mercury Island.
Our Council has been working with MPI to install signage around Mercury Bay.
To understand more about what to do if you find exotic caulerpa on your equipment, how to report it, and about restrictions related to caulerpa, visit MPI's website.
Whangamatā Beach Hop: Alcohol ban
No alcohol can be consumed in any public place in Whangamatā over Repco Beach Hop. The ban is in place from 4pm Tuesday 19 March 2024 until 4am Monday 25 March 2024.
Adoptable dogs
We currently have some lovely dogs who are looking for homes.
These are two fun-loving labrador brothers.
They're about 9 months and love being active. They also love pats and cuddles.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, please contact us on 07 868 0200.
Once your interest is known a Dog Control Officer will be in contact with you to discuss the adoption.
