Investigations that may result in new West Otago health services were approved yesterday by the Clutha District Council, which will give a loan for the preliminary work.
The council approved raising a loan of no more than $80,000 towards development plans and a feasibility study so West Otago Health Ltd can confirm if it is viable to build a health centre in the grounds of the former Tapanui Hospital.
The minutes and recommendations from a recent extraordinary West Otago Community Board meeting, which debated the proposal, were unanimously passed by the council without debate.
West Otago ratepayers will pay the loan costs, while the idea of considerably more council money for the proposed development may also go before council in the coming months.
In a report tabled at the board meeting on April 16, council chief executive Charles Hakkaart said the estimated cost of the re-development was about $4 million.
Exactly how much the council might be asked to contribute was not yet known, but he was basing his report on the council paying $1 million.
If that and other public money is needed, the council has agreed it will carry out the consultation needed to change its long-term council community plan.
Arrows for tourists: Directional arrows telling tourists and other visitors they must keep left will start appearing on busy tourist routes in the Clutha district.
The arrow signs, which will reinforce the message for all drivers to keep left, were supported by the council.
Speed limits: Four strips of urban road will have lower speed restrictions in place as part of a roading bylaw review being released for public feedback.
The Balclutha urban traffic area will include the council's new Balclutha housing subdivision at Tsukigawa Tce, while McSkimming Lane in Benhar will be included in a 50kmh zone.
The council is also planning to reduce 100kmh limits in Kakapuaka Rd, near Balclutha and Titri Rd, near Waihola, to 70kmh.
Property: Two parcels of Balclutha industrial land, leased to Fulton Hogan Ltd, will be offered for sale to the roading and concrete company.
The council's property subcommittee recently recommended the blocks on Barnego Rd and Stamford St be sold at market valuation to Fulton Hogan.
Liquor: A proposal to create liquor-free zones in parts of Balclutha and Milton will be released for public feedback from this weekend.
Public submissions will be accepted between May 5 and June 3 with any submissions heard and any changes made at a council hearing on June 5. The new bylaw, if approved, will take effect from July 1 this year.
