The Alexandra Business Group presented a petition containing
more than 1300 signatures to the Central Otago District
Council yesterday calling for more support for economic
growth in the region from the council and the Vincent
Community Board.
The group called for an "attitudinal shift from the council
and staff to restore this area's vibrancy", group spokesman
Gerry Eckhoff said.
It was a "dysfunctional system and the council needs to
provide leadership and direction", Bruce Davidson, another
group spokesman, said.
According to the group, the council made development
difficult because of "bureaucratic hurdles" which meant any
economic development had "stagnated".
However, Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper pointed out some of
the hurdles were imposed by the Government.
"The results of the petition are pretty obvious and we can't
ignore that we have some disaffected people from the business
sector," Cr Martin McPherson said.
The council agreed to meet the group to discuss the issues
and find a way forward.
Mr Davidson said council had "responded well" to the
petition.
The petition had signatures from Ranfurly, Omakau, and
Roxburgh as well as Alexandra and Clyde, and Mr Davidson said
they wanted to "incorporate Cromwell too, to speak for all of
Central Otago".
• At the meeting Mr Lepper also said "some time ago at a
mayoral forum it was decided to get rid of" Otago Forward, an
economic development body. He said the brand would still be
used for regional initiatives but the mayoral forum would
take over the responsibilities.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.