People’s chance to have a say on community hub
IT is not too late for people to make themselves heard regarding a proposed community hub in Omakau.
They are urged to have a say on the Central Otago District Council consultation document ‘‘Framing Our Future’’ before submissions close on Sunday.
What is proposed is a purposebuilt multiuse community facility at the Omakau Recreation Reserve to replace the town’s earthquakeprone memorial hall and ageing rugby clubroom.
The Matakanui Combined Rugby Club and Omakau’s community plan group had jointly investigated options for a solution and a feasibility study identified the need for a new community hub facility, with an estimated cost of $3 million.
In an widely circulated email, community hub secretary Caroline Bartlett called to people to make themselves heard.
‘‘We have the most incredible opportunity, after years of planning, the community hub at
Omakau has the potential to become a reality.’’
The council had proposed funding of $1 million, of which a third would be funded through a 25year loan, rated over the Vincent Ward at a cost of $6.90 per household.
This was the councilpreferred option (Option 1), she said.
The balance of $666,000 would come from reserves accounts.
‘‘We need to let council know that we want the hub, and that we support this funding model. Without this funding, we cannot progress to . . . finalising the design, and making community grant applications.’’
The consultation document is on the council’s website.