13/09/2005

Review underway for Oto District Plan

Greetings.
With the Otorohanga district's Long Term Council Community Plan almost complete, thanks to the efforts of council staff, residents and ratepayers who have contributed enormously during the past two years, council is
now underway with preparation for the next major process - reviewing the Otorohanga District Plan.
The district plan is essentially the rules, policies and objectives our people agreed to through intensive consultation in the mid '90s and became operative in 1999.
The plan was considered a progressive and supportive effects-based plan designed to proactively reverse the trend of rural depopulation and lack of development, by encouraging interest and investment to our region.
It was subsequently awarded numerous accolades.
Legislation provides for reviews of all district plans to be conducted, to allow for adjustments to be made taking into account changes in circumstance, desire or intent of the people councils represent.
It is apparent that to continue to provide a high level of assurance to residents and ratepayers of the Otorohanga district and applicants of resource consents, it is appropriate to bring forward our planned review to next year.
Review underway for This process is expected to take up to two years and will involve significant resources of both staff and residents' time and funding.
We have recruited key personnel to assist in this process and are already conducting highly informative discussions with many groups, marae and individuals in the lead up to the review.
It is essential everyone who has a stake or interest in this district takes the opportunity to make their views known so that the plan continues to meet your needs now, and into the future.
Finally, still so much happening in our district when you look around - properties are selling well, the weather is just incredible for our farmers, businesses are expanding and more jobs are being created and filled, and the fish are biting - what more could we ask for!

By Dale Williams, Otorohanga district mayor