If nothing was done to provide a retirement village complex in Oamaru, the Waitaki district would not be able to cope with its elderly people needing services in 10 to 15 years' time, Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said yesterday.
Mr Familton was commenting after the council had heard and considered submissions on the proposal of council-owned Waitaki District Health Services Ltd to build a retirement village on Hospital Hill, costing $15 million for the first stage and up to $35 million for the complete project.
The council received 82 submissions, including seven submitters who appeared yesterday. About 90% supported the proposal, although some did raise issues.
Mr Familton said all submissions would be considered before the council made its final decisions on September 24.
''We have great confidence in this project,'' Mr Familton said. He was also confident issues raised could be clarified and answered.
Some made their comments brief and to the point. -Stanley King: ''Excellent idea! Go for it.''
Margaret McClintock: ''What a wonderful idea and so well thought out.''
John McKenzie: ''We look forward to booking in.''
Elizabeth McCone: ''When can I put my name down for a unit?''Some submitters supported the proposal because it meant retirement village services would be available in Oamaru and people would not have to go elsewhere.
Jo Mackenzie (88), of Oamaru, said there was a serious shortage of accommodation of this kind for the elderly in Oamaru.
''We desperately need it,'' she said.
Ian and Robyn Kirk said everyone knew of people who had moved away from Oamaru to be nearer to services and the village could reverse this trend.
The level of any council financial input was questioned, even by some who supported the proposal, and what effect it could have on future rates rises.
Malcolm and Eileen McMillan said the project must not result in a rate increase for its development or running costs.
''Would it not be more appropriate for such developments to be undertaken by one of the commercial retirement village companies and thus protect the council-ratepayers from any financial risk?'' they asked.
John Moffat said the project would be better left to a rest-home company which knew the business.
The site on Hospital Hill, above the centre of town, was questioned. David Childs suggested it would be better placed on Takaro Park, next to the Oamaru Hospital and Waitaki Aquatic Centre.
Diane Talanoa said the steepness of Eden St would discourage residents from accessing the community and isolate them further.
