The following are highlights from the last Waihi Beach Community Board meeting held on April 19.
Waihi Beach Community Board’s Long Term Plan (LTP) Submission:
Details of our submission including a request to fast track two projects, start the library upgrade in 2022 and advance the Athenree/Island View walkwaycycleway to the first three years of the plan.
Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031 Submission: Supporting funding for the Athenree/Island View walkway/cycleway.
Welcome to Waihi Beach entranceway project: Member Bob Hulme provided the board with an update regarding the entranceway project, noting that they were still awaiting designs that could be taken out for consultation. Cycleway/Walkway: Member Don Ryan highlighted a priorities, objective, requirements and decisions document. Council’s roading engineer (west) had a drive around with two board members to discuss cycle and walkway signage options and requirements. From this it was noted that the roading engineer (west) would create a plan for the community board to consider at an upcoming workshop. This would allow the board to create a comprehensive plan, highlighting easy to achieve areas, and priorities.
The roading engineer noted that they could not paint a designated “cyclist-only” lane on the road, as there was not enough width to maintain credible safe width, however it was noted that the board could look into “shadow markings” to create further awareness on the roads. Community Hub: The community hall has offered part of their upgraded meeting rooms to the community board, to start a community hub. The board is grateful of the opportunity and will liaise with the community hall about progress. (alterations will start in May).
Cleaning creeks from sand buildup:
There are continuing problems with flooding, particularly at 3 Mile Creek with sand build-up. Council has agreed to provide additional funding for the 2 Mile Creek project, based on the revised tender prices to construct the creek bank protection works. The revised design is still based on a precast panel structure on the sides with supporting concrete beams spanning across the 7m wide channel. The project will still be taking place over a two-year period, given the constraints of the resource consent about working in the creek during the period of June to November every year.
A number of land owner signatures are required for the construction works to proceed. The revised design is being discussed with Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC), which will require approval before works can start. Consultants, the contractor and council staff are working through a number of points to ensure the works can proceed as soon as possible.
Predator Free Waihi Beach: An Environmental/Sustainability group has been drawn together to formulate an audit of the Waihi Beach Ward predator free projects and activities. This will inform development of an overall plan for the community plan objective: Working towards being predator free by 2025. A hui of partners and groups was held on Monday (May 3) with a definite action plan. Bike racks at the hall: Discussions are on going with the community hall about placement and type of racks. Community reports
Live Well Waihi Beach — Anna
Schroeder: Now in its sixth month, the Live Well Waihi Beach project has implemented the agreed outcomes, and continues to explore the opportunities and challenges within the community groups and services space at Waihi Beach. The project has engaged with local groups, identifying needs and recurring themes, providing facilitation, promotion and advocacy support where possible. No extra funding over and above the original allocated funding of $30,000 is required, and it is anticipated that the balance of ($13,487.51) will allow the contract to be extended to June 30 2021.
The Waihi Beach Community Board approved an extension to the contract term for the Live Well Waihi Beach facilitator up to June 30. Waihi Beach Historical Trail information boards: The Board reaffirm their financial commitment of $10,000, as noted in resolution WB205.11.