Council looks at forestry for jobs

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 342, 3 July 1990, Page 4

Council looks at forestry for jobs

The Ruapehu District Council owns land that should be disposed of plus land that could be used for greater benefit of the district than occurs at present and forestry coupled with employment training projects could be a way to achieve those aims.

A report from a council working party, made up of councillors Doug Bennett, Weston Kirton and community enterprises director John Murrihy was tabled at June's full council meeting, where the council resolved to extend the terms of reference of the

working party to enable them to report on the future disposition of council land together with a long term forestry development programme. The council also resolved to set up a special fund where proceeds from the sale of vacant

rural council land can be put to cover future council forestry costs. Ratepayers would then not have their rates increased to cover costs incurred in the project, the report stated. The group asked for $3500 to plant two areas this winter, including two- hectares at the Taumarunui Rubbish Dump and some land at Kakahi plus $10,000 to clear and fence another parcel of land ready for planting next year. The council decided against

granting these amounts at this stage. Mayor Workman said the council was nervous about spending any extra money before looking at the next financial year's annual plan. The group identified about 20 properties as having potential

forestry use, all between two and five hectares. The group found that the council has no large parcels of land suitable. As for employment training, the group had initially aimed to set up an ACCESS training module but found that the Taumarunui Development Incorporation

had applied. Tve decision was then made to work with TDI, rather than separately, but the TDI's application for the training schemes failed. The TDI intends to reapply, the group - reported, and if not the council could apply itself. "To the extent that the

employment training programme is not feasible at this time, a significant part of the purpose of the working party has been frustrated. However on the basis that there will be future opportunities... it was agreed that the project proceed," stated the report.