Consultation on village’s future

The coastal village of Taieri Mouth is next to undergo community plan consultation for Clutha...
The coastal village of Taieri Mouth is next to undergo community plan consultation for Clutha District Council. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Taieri Mouth residents will be asked what they would like their coastal settlement to look like in the future, during Clutha District Council consultation this month.

The council is seeking submissions from residents and other interested parties during the latest round of its "Our Place" community planning consultation which started on February 1 and ends on March 1.

Residents can have their say via written submissions, or at any of three public outreach sessions this month.

Supporting documentation outlines some of the key areas participants are encouraged to consider.

These include community facility upgrades, improving parks and reserves, walking and cycling opportunities, and environmental enhancement projects.

The council is also asking residents whether they would like to see residential expansion of their town.

Council-supported house and land packages have been successfully promoted in Kaitangata, and are being explored elsewhere, including Lawrence and Clinton.

The council’s consultation document says Taieri Mouth has a permanent population of about 250, and an older demographic with a median age of 52.8.

"The Our Place process is an opportunity to identify some clear aspirations about how Taieri Mouth should look, both now and into the future," it said.

"Given the ageing population, should there be a proactive approach towards attracting more young people to move to Taieri Mouth? If so, what is the best way to do that? For example, developing more child and youth-friendly spaces and activities, or an affordable home and land package for young families?"

Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan encouraged people to take part in the consultation.

"Like many of you, I have aspirations of how our district’s towns can look, both now and into the future, so I can’t stress enough the importance of what we are trying to achieve here.

"It’s time we all talked about our vision and priorities for our community, listened to others and believed that, collectively, we can make a difference."

Drop-in sessions for Our Place Taieri Mouth

Thursday, February 8, Leitch Memorial Hall, 4pm-5pm and 6pm-7.30pm.

Saturday, February 10, Livingstonia Park Family Fun Day, from 1pm.

richard.davison@odt.co.nz