District plan questioned

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 574, 21 February 1995, Page 4

District plan questioned

Wake up Waimarino • The proposed Ruapehu District Council's Scheme Plan (proposed) is not short on proposals to increase the size of its bureaucracy. The changes proposed and the controls and charges that go with these proposed changes boggle the mind. Restricted zones, new reserves etc. If you doubt the intentions of the District Council planners get a copy of the proposals. How would you like to have to apply to the District Council for permission by way of a resource consent to paint your home and to what colours you may use. This can happen under the proposed Esplanade Reserves proposal to any

homes situated on the Mangawhero or the Mangateitei streams within 20 metres of the stream. This is just one of the little gems in the scheme proposals. A meeting at Raetihi tonight 21 February 7.30pm at the Waimarino Club under the auspices of the Federated Farmers will be a chance and a forum to question the town planner who has been asked to be present to answer questions.

JB

Martin

$1 million loan too soon • The Ruapehu District Council has advertised a Special Order to raise a loan for improvements to the Pipiriki Road for logging

traffic and the Special Order is on the Council agenda for confirmation on 24 February, 1995. The Special Order procedure is very important and if confirmed, will give the Council the public's approval to proceed. The total sum proposed in the Special Order is $1,000,000. Ho wever the basis of this sum must be questioned as the report from management to Council accompanying the request states that: □ The total cost of improvements will be $2,050,000;

□ Transit New Zealand should fund 58 per cent; □ This leaves the total ratepayer contribution by loan of $861,000 which is $139,000 less than the $1,000,000 proposed; □ The report also states that the benefit/cost ratio for the Ohakune by-pass at Rochfort and the Makotuku bridge widening may not be sufficient to allow Transit New Zealand funding in which case these works would probably not proceed; □ If this was the case a further $ 147,000 would not be required; □ Discussions with

Winstone Pulp International are to take place and if a contribution from Winstones is forthcoming, the amount required could be reduced further; □ If a contribution is not made by Winstones then the basis of servicing any loan would have to be seriously considered and it may be appropriate to service the loan on a Capital Value basis. A Special Order procedure is too important to be , confirmed on such an approximate basis and until the above points are clarified and a precise costing and funding completed, the Special Order should be withdrawn.

DS

Bennett