BEACH COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS

The issue was raised by a former dog ranger Mike Hickey at the meeting. The report indicated that the level of noncompliance regarding freedom camping, dog patrol and parking was less than the previous year. He said that the public have been complaining about the lack of effective services for some time.

The need for a local ranger was raised by the Board, but Western Bay of Plenty District Council does not support the option, saying that the costs of training, a uniform, a phone and salary for four hours a day would amount to around $10-15,000 a year. No application for the job was advertised in any of the local newspapers. As an option, Council has suggested having some locals volunteers instead. Their role would be to provide information on where to exercise dogs and what are the restrictions in place.

Dog control officers said that their task is difficult as people run away when they see the beach control officer.

■ Other complaints were made about officers issuing parking infringements. One compliant came from a Council contractor who said he parked partly on a yellow line to clean up broken glass bottles on the roundabout and received a ticket for this.

The community has also asked for more signage and better monitoring for the next summer period.

Craig McFarlane reported that the trust has to rethink their involvement the new medical centre project in Waihi Beach because St John is now having their own separate building. Meanwhile, Primary Health Care Ltd has renewed the lease on the current property for another two years.