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Friday 22 September 2023
Cycleway at centre of concerns
It was standing room only in the packed Pōhara Hall for last Tuesday's emergency meeting. Photo: Alistair Hughes. ALISTAIR HUGHES
Last Tuesday evening’s emergency public meeting at the Pōhara Hall was attended by over 180 residents and visitors. Because traffic concerns over the currently under-construction shared cycleway was a prominent topic of discussion, it was somewhat ironic that the resulting state of the road and volume of vehicles meant that this gathering suffered its own parking challenges. MC Peter Russell opened the meeting by acknowledging that there might be strong feelings in the room, but he encouraged everyone to focus on the common ground all those present shared, and “to channel our thoughts and words towards a positive and constructive meeting, in an honourable and respectful manner”. Inviting us all to take three deep calming breaths, Peter then introduced the first speaker, Sebastian Marinkovich. This opening presentation made it clear that concerns about to be addressed went far beyond cycleways to the wider issue of the Tasman District Council’s (TDC) lack of
consultation with affected parties. “It has become apparent that the council is not acting in the best interest or direction of the people, and this is of grave concern. Despite overwhelming feedback and opposition to their plans, the council proceeded with the cycleway in front of the Pōhara Store and the campground.” Sebastian referenced similar projects had taken place in Mapua and Wakefield despite clear opposition and noted the absence of TDC representatives at this meeting. “We sincerely hoped that they would be here tonight to listen to our concerns and answer our questions. We have a genuine desire to work with our council in a collaborative and constructive manner,” Sebastian said. Next speaker Chris Bennett bravely presented an alternative point of view, beginning with the assertion that the Cycle and Walkways Society strongly supported the current project in Pōhara. He clarified that it was one of four alternatives that they proposed to the council back in 2017, with
the primary concern being to increase safety for pedestrians with cyclists considered later. Chris added that this was not a “new idea which had suddenly popped up” but had been the topic of many discussions since the publishing of their 20-year cycling strategy for Golden Bay six years ago. He also noted that overseas studies suggested that increased foot traffic would be beneficial for the Pōhara Store. A couple of inquiries were shouted as he concluded, despite the clear directive that audience questions would be taken at the end of the meeting, and so he deferred his replies. A concerned Pōhara resident addressed the detrimental effect on traffic and parking that the cycleway development would have on the wider community, before Pōhara Store owner Dave Hix began his presentation. “Both our councillors have blatantly ignored the lack of support as clearly shown by a survey and petition. They are driving their own agendas and not acting for the people,"
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JO RICHARDS
The first meeting of the Golden Bay Community Board to be held in Collingwood since before the pandemic took place last Monday 11 September. Installation of the requisite technology at the fire station means the public can now follow proceedings and participate in real time via Zoom. Public forum Public forum opened with Victoria Davis speaking about Golden Bay ’s radiography service, which she said was originally located in Tākaka township but lost after the community was “fooled” into supporting consolidation of service provision. Referring to Tasman District Council’s ( TDC) Future Strategy, she suggested that the community was being “fooled again”, with the older demographic being ignored in favour of cyclists. She criticised plans to reduce car parking, which would particularly disadvantage older members of the community. “Car parks are important…” Nigel Birse explained that, for the past eight years, he had been trying to overcome restrictions placed on access to public land around Collingwood, most of which is used, owned, or controlled by TDC. Frustrated by a lack of progress, Nigel asked whether the board could help to “resolve and advance these issues to the benefit of all of our community”. Co-ordinator of Save Our Springs (SOS) campaign Kevin Moran discussed about the Water Conservation Order (WCO) for Te Waikoropupū Springs. He cited acknowledged shortcomings relating to TDC’s management of the springs and expressed concern that the WCO will be implemented in the same way. SOS, he explained, are therefore seeking an independent public inquiry into the management of the WCO and the mismanagement of the springs, to ensure that TDC takes action to implement the order “in the spirit of the WCO”. Collingwood resident Elizabeth Graves highlighted the lack of speed and safety signage on some of the township’s peripheral roads, specifically the sections of Excellent Street and Orion Street that link SH60 with Collingwood Area School. She explained that, although a legal speed limit of 40km/hr applied around schools at peak times, there were currently no signs in place, and also no 50km/hr signs to alert drivers turning off SH60 on to Excellent Street. Elizabeth pointed out that the... Continued on page 2
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Inside: Suter exhib Movie review Mural SOS Gerard Hindmarsh Ceramics show THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023
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ISSN (PRINT) 2538-0923 ISSN (ONLINE) 2538-0931
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