Big crowd for master plan

DUE to the response in the first week of public engagement, the Waitaki District Council moved the first public meeting for the Oamaru Harbour master plan to a bigger venue this week.

Council communications specialist Lisa Scott said the council felt justified in its decision, made on the day, to move the meeting out of the ODT InkBox and into the main auditorium at the Oamaru Opera House when attendees began trying to get into the auditorium, ‘‘super early’’, as sound checks were under way — about 180 community members turned up.

Before Wednesday’s meeting, 218 online surveys had been completed and about 50 paper surveys were returned.

Council assets group manager Neil Jorgensen called the meeting a ‘‘fantastic’’ first stage of public engagement as the district created a plan that could inform the district plan.

‘‘It was a great crowd. We were super excited to have so many people engaged, such a good response so far with the surveys and such a lot of passionate people turn up for the meeting who are really interested in the area.’’

After possible development proposals like a zipline, a floating hotel, and a roundabout at the harbour became talking points in the community, and calls for a fresh master plan for the area increased, the council committed to seeking input from the community before producing a draft master plan for public consultation.

‘‘What we’re talking about with the master plan is confirming the vision and objectives [for Oamaru Harbour’s future],’’ Mr Jorgensen said.

‘‘Then, it could also have a framework in it, which kind of acts like a funnel. And so if you get a new idea come in, you put it through a process.

‘‘The master plan then tells you yes that fits with what’s been decided, or no it doesn’t, or, if it’s amended in some way it fits.’’

It could also include design guidelines for the area.