Viewpoint – Local board on track

Well we have had some exciting news on the Penlink front over the last week or so (HM August 16). We have all been working hard to get a positive outcome but nothing is set in place yet. Even if Penlink was to be advanced and in the 2018-2028 ATAP list, we can’t wait that long for progress. With all the growth expected we need Penlink to start ASAP. The ATAP list put forward has initiatives that are extremely positive and we need to make sure that we can get them into a programme with some timelines.

There are a number of candidates standing in Rodney and it is your opportunity to have a say as to who you think may deliver Penlink to our area sooner. As well as the Election Feature in this issue, there are candidates meetings so you can be fully informed before you vote. The Penlink Now Team is hosting one on September 10.

The local board plan engagement was encouraging, with most people agreeing that the board is on the right track with their draft plan. Once again Penlink proved to be one of the most important issues particularly in the Hibiscus Coast area. So I urge you to be informed before placing your vote. Feedback from the draft local board plan consisted of 756 submissions from online, hard copy and email. In addition, 59 people gave feedback at engagement events and 13 pieces of feedback were received through Facebook. Most submitters who provided a written submission agreed or strongly agreed.

Other common themes from submitters across the plan were: the importance of parking in and around town centres and at popular beaches and parks; improved travel times and more direct and better connected public transport options; communities want to be involved in any revitalisation projects.

People were also very keen that multisport facilities progress, there is support for an all-weather football facility and improved lighting at Stanmore Bay and a request for an indoor sports facility at Silverdale to provide for growth.

Further details on feedback and submissions is available on the council website. Next steps include the local board revising the plan before it is adopted in October. The final local board plan will be available on the council website in December.

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board members are having walk in/ drop in sessions for you to come and discuss any issues you may have. The next one will be at the Whangaparaoa Library on Tuesday, September 12 from 10am till 12noon. This is something new we are trialling so hope to see you there.