Ōmokoroa Community Board update

The Community Board met on 13th October at the new Pavilion. It was a pleasure to see a good number of the public who turned up for the public forum and to stay for the meeting. The board finds it encouraging that the community is engaging with us and letting us know their views.

On the 13th of August it was agreed, that the Council would retain the existing buildings at 9 McDonnell Street and the old pavilion for community use.

Presently we have two interested parties, one for each building.

The Art and History groups have put forward a proposal for the old library, and the Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association have shown interest in the pavilion for a Menz Shed.

There has been talk of utilizing the old pavilion for a toy library or youth group, however so far no one from the community has come forward for these proposed ventures.

What we require from the public is expressions of interest and somebody to take a lead on what the community wants.

The Domain playground has now secured funding and construction will commence in March 2021. The proposed date of completion is July 2021.

The board asked the Council to look into creating a safe area in the harbour for children and adults alike to jump off into the water. At present they are looking into this, as this will require reserve resource consent from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The accessways at the Medical Centre, the gym, Indian restaurant and liquor store will be addressed with the Ōmokoroa Road urbanization. This contract has been awarded to J Swap Contractors Limited and work is expected to be commenced prior to Christmas.

There will be a new pathway from the skate park to the pavilion which can now be commenced as the new building is completed.

The public arts group have proposed a kuaka sculpture to be located on Cooney Reserve and also a mural for the toilets on the domain.

As a Community Board we are here to represent and act as an advocate for the interest of the community of Ōmokoroa. In regard to both buildings that have been retained, we need to hear from the community as to what they wish these buildings to be utilised for.

The next community board meeting is 24th November 2020.