Submission Details
Full Name:
Beau Timberland
Business/Organisation (if applicable):
Date Submitted
2024-03-21 19:37:16
Te Aroha Spa
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Stop work on it all together?
Any other comments on Te Aroha Spa:
i think we should stop this project. it's not clear to me that our community really care about it. I feel we already have a great spa facility, both at the pool (the number two bath house) and the mineral spa - i have used these many times and think its really well priced (surprisingly so). instead of building an expensive new one, can we spend just a fraction of the proposed spending and make some small upgrades that would achieve a similar result? this would certainly get costs down.
Roading
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Reduce our roading renewal programme to cut costs?
Any other comments on roading renewals:
I think this is a smart option. in general i feel our roads are of really good quality at the moment apart from a few that seem to be extremely bad (Alexandra Road is shocking and Gunn road at matamata). i wonder if this would ultimately mean we have to pick up the cost in the future though?
Town Centre infrastructure
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Prioritise maintenance and renewals and Pride of Place?
Do you have any comments on this?
I think this is a smart approach. i also think pride of place is a great way for communities to take town improvements into their own hands and undertake small, manageable projects that all contribute to improving the town and empowers the community members to take the lead
Te Aroha Library
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Close the Te Aroha library?
Any other comments on Te Aroha Library:
I love our library building and i think we should restore it, but if this isn't an option i wonder if we can close the library until the next long term plan. - our libraries deliver remote services already and have capacity to operate an outreach program to te aroha (books to you) (community outreach librarian) (Digital library). there is infrastructure set up for this already and it is currently not being used very much. we could close the library for 6 years and then see if there is a great want, need or desire in the town for the proposed option in the next ltp, the building could be sold to private enterprise?
Fees and Charges
Do you agree with the proposed Fees and Charges for 2024/25?
Yes, I agree
Do you have any comments on this?
i support the increased fees for specific services - i support the use pays model, including for water services and would support metered water, there could be special prices set for elderly, disabled and those in poverty.
Development Contributions
Do you agree with the proposed Development Contributions Policy?
Yes, I agree
Do you have any comments on this?
we should rely exclusively on DC's - our region is growing naturally and we don't need to stimulate growth with special offers for developers. if our towns were in decline this would be a different matter
Revenue and Finance Policy
Do you agree with the proposed Revenue and Financing Policy?
I don't have an opinion on this topic
Final Comments and Attachments
Do you have any other comments to add to your submission?
When making a booking at the Matamata Civic Center a stage can be included when booking the venue for a very low cost, just $50. perhaps this stage option is suitable for now?
Do you have any attachments to upload?
Walking and cycling improvements
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Stop budgeting for new walking and cycling connections and safety improvements?
Do you have any comments on this?
The type of improvements that have been implemented were often rejected by the community. Perhaps we could deliver more traditional upgrades, like path resurfacing and widening of pathways. I personally didn't like the reduced speed zones, share roads, painted road markings and plastic cycle infrastructure.
Additional playgrounds
What do you think we should do?
Alternative option: Cut costs further by deferring the Te Aroha playground?
Do you have any comments on this?
i personally don't think Te Aroha needs a 'destination playground' i think these projects are too expensive and there are other, lower cost improvements that can be undertaken. instead can we do a minor playground upgrade at the domain?
Stage for the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Remove this project from our work programme?
Do you have any comments on this?
When making a booking at the Matamata Civic Center a stage can be included when booking the venue for a very low cost, just $50. perhaps this stage option is suitable for now?
Our Approach to Rates and Debt
What do you think we should do?
Proposed option: Accept that our rates need a significant increase in the year ahead to manage the significant increase in costs set out in the Consultation Document?
Do you have any comments?
i think we should not borrow - now is not the time to borrow for non assets based projects, lets see if we can reduce the costs further with some of councils alternative options and amend services to be more cost effective.
Rates Remission and Postponement
Do you agree with the proposed Rates Remission and Postponement Policy?
No, I disagree - please explain?
Do you have any comments on this?
i feel that citizens should have the right to decline the provided waste management service (or parts of it) and therefore not be charged for kerbside collection if they don't wish to receive it. they may wish to do their own home composting and not use the green bin - this is a much more environmentally sustainable method
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