Use telegraph poles for pier at St Clair?

AFTER the Dunedin Railway Station, St Clair’s ‘‘wavewashed’’ wooden beach poles (as you have described them) must be the most photographed image in the city.

Unfortunately, most of them have been swept away and only a few remain. Soon there will be no poles left.

However, wooden telegraph poles are being replaced all over the city, so I suggest the city council commandeer some of these and use them to restore the structure to its previous glory.

I appreciate that the restored version would not be original. But, like a homeopathic remedy, the memory of original structure would still resonate in it.

I also appreciate the city council has said it has no plans to ‘‘resurrect the fallen poles’’. But a council that is willing to spend $8000 on a mural of a pop singer with no connection at all to the city should be willing to entertain the idea of saving this Dunedin icon. Phil Gendall

St Clair

DCC’s 10year plan

IN the ODT (24.4.18) was a resume of the Dunedin City Council’s 10year plan submissions. They appear to be based on the past experience and performance of the current council.

For the plan to be effective, proponents for change need to be mindful of foresight.

A longterm plan based on cost is most likely destined for discontent. Value, not cost, is more important.

During a decadelong plan there will be three elections, the outcomes from which may be unpopular, which reinforces the need for foresight.

Would I be naive to hope that a good journalist would question proponents for change? And not only what change, but how they would implement their 10year vision for change?

There is a need for review of local body politics. Five district councils plus a regional council seems, as they say, overkill for 225,000 people in Otago.

In short, governance structures and procedures need review, now. Warwick Hobbs

Roxburgh