Bluff urged to speak up on plan
It was critical Bluff residents had their say on the Invercargill City Council’s proposed 10-year plan, as the town’s “kids and grandkids’’ will feel the impact of it, the town’s community board chairman Ray Fife said.
The council has a month-long consultation process on planning for economic, cultural, social and environmental wellbeing of the Invercargill district, which also encompasses Bluff .
“Bluff is really fortunate that we are a pretty tight-knit community and we take a lot of pride in where we come from,’’ Fife said.
Now was the time to talk about things important to Bluff, including safe swimming options, and looking at parks and reserved land that may no longer be needed, and alternative uses for them.
Fife also highlighted the upcoming renewal of the resource consent for the town’s wastewater treatment plant in McGorlick St, which discharges treated effluent into Foveaux Strait through a 50m outflow pipe.
The existing 25-year consent expires next year and the council is working with Te Ao Mārama to put together a team to deliver a project in consultation with iwi, residents and stakeholders.
The 10-year plan sets out options ranging from maintaining the existing short outflow pipe , developing a longer one at a similar location, discharging to land, or piping back to the Clifton station for discharge.
City councillor Grant Dermody said there was a lot to be proud of in Bluff and a lot of work already being done to help revitalise the community.
This included the development of the Bluff Hill Motupōhue active recreation precinct and the upgrade of the boat ramp.
“The question is what are the priorities for Bluff residents,’’ he said.
As part of the consultation process the community was invited to meet elected members and council staff at a potluck dinner at Te Rau Aroha Marae on March 11.
To learn more, people could also check out the plan on the council’s letstalk. icc.govt.nz website or pick up a copy of the plan from the Bluff service centre, Te Hīnaki Civic Building , Splash Palace, Invercargill Public Library or Murihiku Marae.