Wairoa subdivision residents turned out in good numbers at a Franklin Local Board 2020 Plan consultation in Clevedon, but board deputy chair Angela Fulljames wants to hear more.
Consultation on the plan is open until 13 August and while Fulljames says earlier input has been captured, there is a lot in the plan related to the area.
“There are specific issues that Wairoa might like to consider, and for the first time the Clevedon Village Design Framework has been included.
“We are facing so much growth that it is forecast our population could increase 600 per cent in the coming years. That is going to fundamentally change our area, as rural communities become increasingly urban.”
She says there has been a lot of focus on major developments across Franklin in Paerata, Pukekohe and at Drury, but smaller communities where growth is inevitable need to be ready.
“We are going to feel the pain if we are not properly prepared.”
She says the area has always been vocal about the board advocating for better transport connections, maintenance and fit for purpose rural roads, but Beachlands is dominating transport discussions with calls for buses to connect to more frequent ferry services out of Pine Harbour.
While larger communities tended to have more of a voice through resident groups, it was also important smaller rural areas were heard.
“Even perhaps more isolated communities such as Ararimu and Paparimu are facing challenges as the city creeps ever closer, so we’d like to hear from them on how we preserve our rural lifestyles and the unique character of those places.”
Fulljames says environmental concerns tended to be voiced by rural areas, and there was plenty in the plan about pest-free initiatives, protecting waterways, rural planting schemes and guardianship of the natural environment.
“At the end of the day these plans are where the desires and expectations of the communities served are formally recorded. The worst thing we can possibly hear is silence.”
Have your say
Consultation on the plan, which shapes the board’s directions for the next three years, is open until 13 August. Access information on the plan and submit here, or visit Facebook, where you can use the hashtag #lovelocal on a comment to make it official. The library and service centre also have submission forms.
