Whatatutu raises
its transfer station and river concerns
Debbie Gregory
The need to keep a rubbish transfer station at Whatatutu was the main issue discussed at a public consultation meeting for Gisborne District Council's draft annual plan in the township last night.
Nine residents turned out for the meeting, where Mayor Meng Foon covered the council's improvements in the area in the past year.
A street tree-planting programme had been completed and drains in the settlement had been improved.
Plans for the township included a new community caretaker, a new speed limit through the main housing area in place by the end of the month and possible changes for the rubbish transfer station.
All residents said they wanted the transfer station to stay. Mr Foon said improvements to the station were estimated to cost around $300,000. Another option was to start up a household collection.
A household collection was estimated to cost only a little less than the improvements but only catered for one 5kg bag a week from each of the 140 residents. At the moment, around 10 tonnes a week was collected from the station.
Residents said despite people from Gisborne sneaking out to dump rubbish, the transfer station was well looked after and the whole district had never looked tidier.
Councillor for the area, Roger Haisman said the cost of the transfer station was spread among all ratepayers but system for services was now user-pays.
"In the next year or two the cost of it will fall on all rural users."
Mr Foon assured residents nothing would be done before further consultation with the community there.
Concern was also expressed over big stopbanks that had been built next to the Waipaoa River, that had potential to cause flooding for the township.
Engineer Peter Higgs said he was not aware of any stopbanks and the council would investigate this.
Another issue was a causeway developed across the river since a weight limit had been imposed on a bridge in the area.
Large quantities of metal had been taken out of the river and residents wanted to be consulted on river issues in the future.
The incorrect spelling on a few road signs in the area was raised as well as the possibility of a "Welcome to Whatatutu" sign.
One resident said she was concerned about health issues surrounding septic tanks that overflowed in the township.
Footpaths needing repairs, faulty street lights and the need for a bus shelter in the area were also discussed.
One resident said the council needed to consider that Whatatutu was a growing township in its future planning.
Residents also had bouquets for the council. When people phoned with a problem, staff were always polite and helpful and the problems were sorted out, they said.