LAKE RAETIHI?

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 30, 17 January 1984, Page 1

LAKE RAETIHI?

The problem of what to do with a 'hole' in the ground exercised the minds and imaginations of Raetihi Borough councillors at their meeting last month. Some wanted the 'hole' — a depression in the ground on the Ohakune side of the Makotuku Bridge on the Ohakune-Raetihi Road — filled with water, stocked with ducks and planted with trees to create a scenic lake. Others wanted it levelled with solid fill to create a picnic/barbecue area or just have trees planted round the area to screen the hole. Those favouring the scenic lake proposal — Crs Punch, Summerhays and Haitana — said that it would enhance the entrance to Raetihi at only a fraction of the cost of the alternative. An estimate of $2000 to clear the site of vegetation and fill it with water was mentioned as against about $15,000 for the solid fill. However those who were not in favour of the lake proposal at this stage — Crs Cornwall and Tapp — advised caution before any decision was made.

They pointed out that as there was no running water flowing through the site the lake would probably become stagnant. Another consideration was the safety factor with a lake beside a busy main road. The lake would also have some fairly steep banks in places and this would pose another safety problem. Cr Cornwall said that there had not yet been an accurate assessment of the scenic lake proposal nor had there been a report from an appropriately qualified person. "There are far too many unanswered questions and it would be irresponsible of the council to go ahead with the lake proposal at this stage," he said. On a split vote — Crs Punch, Summerhays and Haitana supporting it and Crs Cornwall, Tapp and Webb opposing it — the Mayor Garrick Workman used his casting vote to maintain the status quo pending further investigation and a detailed report, costings and advice from 'appropriate' authorities.