A critical look at Dunedin’s 10year plan

DUNEDIN’S 10year plan 201828 consultation document is overdone and most would stop reading it. The point that stands out is the rates increase of 7.3% for 2019 and subsequent rises of about 5% for the following nine years.

The total rates rise over the 10 year period is $71 million, almost 50%.

The ratepayer on this basis who has a property capital value of $285,000 who pays $2005 in rates now can look forward to paying $3008 in 2028.

The council has to hire 29 more staff and as the document says ‘‘to give residents great service and carry out the big projects’’. What exactly are these people going to do?

A bridge is a bridge and if we want an architectural one it will cost $20 million as against a basic bridge costing

$10 million. Who would design a basic bridge and how could the construction costs be so far apart?

To upgrade the central city with roads, paving and lighting etc for

$60 million sounds great, but the central city is filthy and you only have to look at the gutters to see how often they are swept. Get the basics right first before the grandiose plan is implemented.

There is a lot of talk of Dunedin’s ageing population, and if you are over 75 you can get a free parking permit. The permit for new ones will be $33 to cover administration costs. Hidden away nicely on page 13.

Ross Davidson

Wakari

Bike helmets

I FAIL to understand why some cyclists want changes made to the helmet safety law. Apparently, a study has found that the use of bike helmets deters people from riding bikes. I don’t know what other people do but when I cycle I use my legs and my helmet is on my head.

Lorraine Adams

Oamaru

Caversham

IN Caversham’s main street, one owner has many empty shop fronts and will not tidy them up or rent them out. It exaggerates the popular view that Caversham is downtrodden. We are not. Robbitti Stanley

Caversham

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