As well as seeking feedback on the Eastbourne Community?s draft plan, the public was also invited to offer their opinion on the proposed development on Whiorau Reserve.
By Tim O?Connell
With the next Eastbourne Community Board meeting taking place this week, much of the agenda will be focused on the feedback received from locals regarding its future development. As members of the ECB sit down on April 7 to discuss this month?s agenda, chances are they will have a better gauge of how residents sit in regards to two important issues. As well as seeking feedback on the Eastbourne Community?s draft plan, the public was also invited to offer their opinion on the proposed development on Whiorau Reserve. The carpark and boat ramp area in Lowry Bay had been identified as an area that required attention to preserve its natural aspects. With a combined effort by the community and local Police to reduce the perceived anti-social behaviour at Whiorau proving successful, working groups then set about improving the landscape around the area. The prime objective has been to accentuate the recreational features of the reserve for the public while reducing the amount of open asphalt space to restrict car and boat thoroughfare. A tentative layout of the proposed development has been made available to highlight these features, and to encourage feedback from those who will use it in the future. The design-updated in December 2008, was based on an original plan prepared by Julia Williams in 1999. Public consultation was being sought in the lead up to the April meeting, which would then allow the ECB to make a decision regarding the next step in the process. In a recent report, a figure of $75,000.00 has been identified in the Council's Long Term Council Community Plan to commence in the 2009/2010 year. As of the start of 2009, this was still subject to further discussion and approval by Council as the plan moves closer to being finalised. In addition to this, the ECB was also hopeful of extra funds being considered for the 2010/2011 year, in order to facilitate the upgrade to Whiorau Reserve in a coherent and cost efficient manner.
