High level support for reserve

Backers of the Rotokare Scenic Reserve have enlisted some heavyweight support as they look for more money to run the pest-free reserve.

They have been told to bring back a $600,000 funding request to the South Taranaki District Council when it could be heard in a forum with public feedback.

They have more than 400 submissions supporting them, including submissions from Fonterra and Federated Farmers.

The Rotokare Scenic

Reserve Trust is asking the council for the money in the council’s draft 2012-2022 long term plan, to cover the trust’s annual operating costs.

Federated Farmers said it wants Rotokare’s annual $60,000 grant over 10 years to come from uniform rates so every rateable property pays $4 more per year, rather than basing the amount on property value.

The Rotokare push also comes from within the council fold, as the Eltham Community Board is backing the request, as is Eltham’s Rawhitiora School.

Trust chairman Mike Weren will have his chance to speak on Monday when the verbal LTP submissions are heard.

He will have 20 minutes to state his case while other submitters talk for the allotted 10.

‘‘Let’s work together on Rotokare to ensure it is here to benefit us all for the long term,’’ Mr Weren said in the trust’s written submission.

‘‘Yes [our] current bank balances are positive, but only enough to cover core activities for 12 months.

‘‘But why penalise the Rotokare project and supporters for working hard? This proposal is about tomorrow.’’

The trust first approached the council for the annual $60,000 grant in March but were told by councillors to put it to the long term plan.

They made a similar request for $60,000 a year from Taranaki Regional Council during its long term plan submissions on May 7. TRC knocked them back but voted to add another $40,000 to their environmental enhancement grant budget while undertaking a review of what they do in biosecurity. Rotokare may yet get all or none of that money.

In other parts of the 800 submissions to South Taranaki District Council, more than 100 cover the debate about fluoridating South Taranaki’s water supply. Of those opposing, the main ones wishing to speak to the issue on Monday come from outside the district, including the Fluoride Action Network.