Sam Henderson looks at highlights from the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board.
Inland port concerns
Residents and community groups presented various issues during the public forum.
Mosgiel resident Jane McLeod opened the forum by raising concerns about the proposed Southern Link inland port at Dukes Rd.
She noted the potential for increased heavy traffic on Mosgiel streets and asked the board to consider the impact on residents.
Considering the inversion weather layers that Mosgiel experienced, extra air pollution would be added to road safety and congestion issues, she said.
She argued the privately funded Milburn Quadrant inland port development beside State Highway 1 should be supported instead.
White Robe Lodge co-stud manager Karen Stewart also opposed the Dukes Rd development.
The thoroughbred nursery employed about 20 local staff and foaled 100 mares annually, prompting concerns regarding health risks from dust and noise to livestock.
"We ask the board to consider if a heavy industrial freight hub is compatible with a world-class equine nursery that has operated here for seven decades," Mrs Stewart said.
Accessible toilets
Taieri Tennis Club president Alexis Robin outlined a project to install an external access door to the men’s toilet.
The change would create a unisex toilet accessible directly from the courts without needing a clubhouse key.
"For us it is just to future-proof ourselves, to make sure the facilities are open to anyone and accessible to anyone," Mr Robin said.
The board approved a $1600 funding request from the club towards the project.
Trail update presented
Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust chairperson Brent Irving briefed the board on progress on tunnel trails between Wingatui and Fairfield.
Stage two would progress to the existing railway line and along to the Abbots Creek Bridge and stage three was anticipated to be from Green Island and Abbotsford through to Burnside.
"If we can open it up so we can get cyclists and walkers from Mosgiel to Green Island, Abbotsford, Fairfield or vice versa, open that up, that is a major play," Mr Irving said.
He expected the completed trail would attract up to 120,000 users a year.
Funding request denied
Taieri Network representative Melissa Hawke presented a funding application for the Taieri Youth Advisory Panel.
She sought $680 to purchase branded hoodies for 11 young people aged 13 to 18 to build a shared identity.
"At its heart, this project is about helping a group of young people feel recognised, connected and proud to represent their community," she said.
Cr Cherry Lucas questioned if the group should focus on funding projects rather than clothing.
Deputy chairman Andrew Sutton felt the "worst of society" used hoodies to avoid identification.
Chairwoman Rebecca Shepherd felt the initiative could encourage youth engagement with local politics.
The board declined the funding request but encouraged the group to return with future community projects.
Logo proposed
Board member Rose Finnie presented a proposal for an informal community board logo design competition primarily aimed at Taieri College students.
Governance support officer Jean Cockram advised against cash prizes due to tax complications.
The board discussed instead to seek donated items, provide certificates or provide funds to support Taieri College.
The board agreed in principle on the project and asked Ms Finnie to pitch the concept to the school.
Funds for newsletter
The board approved spending $55 on an advertisement in the West of the Taieri newsletter to promote its upcoming August meeting.
