The ideas were discussed at last week’s Maniototo Community Board meeting, when plans for a new Patearoa and Upper Taieri community plan were presented.
The district’s first community plan — which included the Patearoa, Paerau and Upper Taieri area — was developed in 2007, with the help of Central Otago District Council (CODC) staff but with ‘‘ongoing ownership and drive’’ from Patearoa and district residents, council community development manager Paula Penno said.
‘‘While the plan has no legal status, it does provide an important insight on the direction the community would like to head,’’ Mrs Penno said.
Many of the first plan’s goals had been achieved, including establishment of reliable telecommunication and internet services and an electricity and water supply; display of heritage stories in the district; a public walkway; and water metering and improved LED street lighting.
Possible future projects included advocating for better telecommunications, internet and electricity services; creating a long-term village landscape plan for Patearoa; advocating for issues relating to water access in Maniototo; monitoring the need for a sewerage scheme based on growth; restoring identified sites including the old Chinese camp and diggings and Alnwick Cottage; assessing the speed limit through the town with a possible view to extending reduced speed zones; and developing a heritage trail and new cycleways and walkways.
A camping ground on the former Patearoa school site was being considered, and ‘‘out of the blue’’ Patearoa was suggested as 2020 host town for the cavalcade, resident Jo Paterson said. She said Patearoa residents were working out if they had the resources to host the event, a ‘‘great opportunity’’ to raise money for local projects.
A community workshop will be held this year for the plan, which will be developed in December and approved in January or February. pam.jones@odt.co.nz
