Votes in on Raetihi Project options

COMMUNITY HAS THEIR SAY ON RAETIHI PROJECT OPTIONS

The Raetihi community has turned out in force to have their say on how the $100,000 of court fines resulting from the diesel spill on Mount Ruapehu in September 2013 should best be spent.

Organisers involved with the community consultation on the six options being considered for funding estimate that voter turnout was about 70%.

Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron said that the Raetihi community should be very proud of themselves for how they have taken on and managed this process.

I would like to personally thank the people of Raetihi for getting behind this project and turning out to vote, and the Raetihi Community Charitable Trust for taking the lead locally and getting the process to this point, he said.

With volunteers and little official support the community has taken ownership for determining amongst themselves the best way they can benefit from this money.

The high level of interest and discussion within the Raetihi community on how the $100,000 could best be spent culminating in the high voter turnout highlights how Raetihi is pulling together and looking to the future.

Mayor Cameron said that of the six options under consideration Project Waireka (Sweet Water) for under bench filtration units was the most popular with 254 votes.

The second most popular project was the Raetihi Five United Projects which proposed five combined projects being; a village rainwater well, a town sculpture project, riparian management along the Makotuku River, repair and upgrade of the Domain Tennis Courts and the upgrade of the Makotuku River walkway with 174 votes.

The remaining four project options were; Makotuku Community Recreation Hub - 136 votes, Gymnasium Project - 66 votes, Water Fountain Roundabout - 23 votes and Raetihi Primary Conservation Park - 31 votes.

Now that the community has had their say a Community Leadership Team (CLT) headed by Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board chairperson John Compton will be working with a separate Project Team to support delivery of the project or projects and help to resolve any implementation issues.

The Project Team will be made up of the original project sponsor along with any technical and other assistance the project may require and will be responsible for the implementation of the approved project(s).

If at the completion of the project(s) there is money remaining from the $100,000 other projects may be funded depending where they came in the public voting process.

The CLT will also be responsible for approving any invoices for payment and ensuring the work has been delivered.

Mayor Cameron noted that the full $100,000 would be spent on the final project(s) and that Ruapehu District Council would absorb any overhead costs.

Council will hold the $100,000 on behalf of the Raetihi community and provide technical support such as assisting to evaluate any tenders or work offers.

The next stage is that the CLT is planning to meet within the next two weeks to work on how it can support the Project team(s) with any implementation issues.

In the interim anyone who has any questions can contact me via their nearest council office.

End.