Harbour uncertainty jeopardising industry

Council critic Calvin Oaten sees a disservice to the city in the way the "redevelopment" of the harbour basis has been touted.

Dunedin City Council chief executive officer Jim Harland has a vision.

It is one in which he sees the development of a vibrant recreational and living environment, centred on our harbour basin.

It has been in slow gestation for several years, but first surfaced as a cost factor in the 2007-08 capital expenditure budgets.

Expenditure was budgeted at about $1.3 million per annum for years 2007-08 through to 2010-11.

Just what that money was to do we don't know. What was the plan?

It was to rezone the general area - currently industrial - to enable the construction of apartments, cafes, restaurants and to improve leisure access to the water.

All very laudable we might think.

But who will gain?

That is not verified.

Would cafes establish in that area? Indeed, would they be patronised if they did?

It is common knowledge that the prevailing summer wind can be the northeaster, which comes up the harbour and out over South Dunedin, bringing a chill factor not conducive to loitering outside at pavement cafes.

Nor is it likely to encourage people to want to live there.

If the area zoning was changed, it could result in a lift in value of the relative land, an obvious benefit to the owners.

Where has council been in all of this?

Strangely, but normally, silent.

Just recently, Cr Dave Cull expressed some concern about the plan, suggesting that it should be parked.

What has brought about this belated interest?

It seems it has been quietly progressing to the point where the DCC is applying to the Environment Court for "Plan change 7" for rezoning to be confirmed, which would enable the project to proceed.

This, even though Mr Harland has suggested a time-frame to fruition of some 50 years.

Nonetheless, those with a vested interest in the project, namely incumbent industrial users and their representative Otago Chamber of Commerce, have expressed serious concerns.

In the Otago Daily Times (9.3.10), chamber chief executive John Christie expressed frustration that Mayor Peter Chin refused to discuss the matter on the grounds that, as it was in discussion between Cr Colin Weatherall and the appellants, it was not appropriate.

Mr Christie challenged that.

The following day three of the main heavy industries in the harbour area said they could be put out of business if the council rezoned the harbourside industrial land so it could be used for residential and commercial use.

Foundry operator Bradken manufacturing manager Roger Denston said it could result in the closure of the plant.

Newlcast general manager Dean Taig said the effect on his plant would be the same.

Farra Engineering chief executive John Whitaker believed rezoning would be "death by a thousand cuts" for industry in the area.

Is that not a strong message to the council? Why has it got to this stage? Does Mr Harland not want industry in Dunedin? If so, he is certainly going the right way to drive what remaining activity we have away.

The council has done the city a serious disservice on this issue.

Even if it withdrew the planning change application now, or if it was turned down, the damage has probably been done.

The result of all this is to have sown the seeds of uncertainty.

Business does not like uncertainty - it inhibits forward planning, and even encourages strategies to relocate to where certainty prevails.

Could we blame them?

Again, we have been let down by our mayor and elected council.

Again, they have abrogated their responsibilities to the executive.

Where is Mayor Chin?

He was last seen tightening a couple of nuts at the stadium.

Calvin Oaten is a Dunedin ratepayer.