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Highlights from the West Harbour Community Board
Local history, wetland restoration and the arts were all discussed at last week’s West Harbour Community Board meeting in Port Chalmers.
The Star was unable to attend the meeting and spoke with board chairman Jarrod Hodson for an update.
Public Forum
Historic Iona Church Restoration Trust representative Andrew Noone, spoke in support of a funding application for $1011.42 towards the cost of producing flyers for visitors to the historic church ahead of cruise ship season.
A category 1 historic building, Iona Church is in the midst of a multi-stage restoration project.
Later in the meeting, the board voted to grant the requested funds.
Port Chalmers man Graeme Hall addressed the board about his concerns regarding Port Otago’s expressed vision for Back Beach near the port.
Presentations
Halo Project director Rhys Millar provided an update to the board on the proposed purchase of the Wharauwerawera (Wharewerawera) Wetland and the engagement with the Long Beach community on the project.
The Landscape Connections Trust, which is behind the Halo Project, hopes to buy the 33ha of low-lying wetland and hill slopes behind the Long Beach dunes, for preservation and restoration.
Otago Regional councillor Chanel Gardner also spoke to the board about the development of a Dunedin and Coast Integrated Catchment Plan for freshwater management.
Proposed roading changes
Mr Hodson tabled a diagram of the site of proposed changes to parking provisions near 3 George St, Port Chalmers to create more room for bus stops.
He requested board members provide feedback before September 2, which he would pass on to the Dunedin City Council transport team.
Board reports
In his chairman’s report, Mr Hodson raised the issue of earthquakes and the potential impact of a major quake on the West Harbour area.
“We are overdue for a really big one and we need to come together to make a plan,” Mr Hodson said.
Board member Duncan Eddy shared updates on the board’s positive social media engagement and raised the impact on Osborne causeway during heavy rains.
Mr Eddy also shared with the board his plans to give a presentation to Dunedin City Council on social housing proposals for Albertson Ave.
Board member Marian Poole gave an update on local roading issues and repairs, the need to renew signage at the Port Chalmers end of the cycleway and Port Chalmers pool maintenance.
Arts Award
Ms Poole spoke about her proposal for an arts award, which included an event during Matariki, an art exhibition, music events and award ceremony.
The provisional costs for the trial of an arts award were estimated at about $1500.
The board requested she provide detailed costings for consideration at a future meeting.