Timaru CBD’s future ‘not an election issue’

The future of Timaru’s central business district (CBD) is not an election issue, the district’s mayor says.

Increasing concerns have been raised about the lack of a proper plan for the centre of town, with fears that a lack of direction could stunt investment in Timaru.

A war of words broke out between Mayor Damon Odey and one of the founders of lobby group Timaru Urban Renaissance Network (TURN) on Wednesday, after a post on the group’s Twitter account appeared to criticise the mayor’s approach.

‘‘Turn raising issue of trying to make downtown Timaru better is just electioneering according to current Mayor! Say what!’’ the post reads.

Odey said he had never used the word ‘electioneering’ in reference to the group, but said it was ‘‘using an election campaign period to put their case forward’’. He criticised the use of social media, saying he did not read things posted on social media and people who posted them ‘‘don’t possibly count’’. ‘‘Firing shots’’ on social media would disengage people, he said.

‘‘They’re best to go and sit down at the table and talk about it.’’

TURN co-founder Fliss Butcher said social media was a ‘‘modern day tool’’ and that it was ‘‘not a witch hunt, it’s just a way to raise the issues.’’

The group was established to give people a platform to contribute to the discussion, she said.

‘‘There’s a feeling that you’re not able to have your voice heard and have some input into what is a community issue.

‘‘The council is owned by ratepayers, not businesses.’’

Odey said the future of the CBD was not an election issue as work was already underway to determine what needed to be done.

The Timaru District Council has tasked Aoraki Development with forming a steering committee to investigate the feasibility of a town centre management group.

Committee chairman and Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport said a collaborative approach was needed to address issues and opportunities facing the CBD. ‘‘The steering committee will explore whether this approach is a feasible approach for Timaru and whether it has the stakeholder support.’’

The committee will look at models used around the country, and investigate what support a town centre management group would have from key stakeholders. It will also consider the scope of such a group, including how it would be operated, funded and governed.

Odey said council needed to go through the proper process and consult with affected parties. ‘‘We want to make it user friendly.

‘‘We’re all on the same page, it’s about looking for the opportunities.’’