13 May 2005

Banks Peninsula “has vested interest” in Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy

Banks Peninsula has a lifestyle that is the envy of most people in the world, but it needs planning to ensure it stays that way, says Banks Peninsula Mayor and chairman of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy Forum, Bob Parker.

Mr Parker's comments come only days before the first Greater Christchurch UDS public meeting to be held in Banks Peninsula, on Monday, 16 May, 7.30pm to 9pm at the Diamond Harbour Community Hall. The second meeting will be held at the Lyttelton Recreation Centre on Thursday, 26 May, 7.30pm to 9pm.

As part of the Greater Christchurch UDS, four options are being considered by the Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri, Banks Peninsula, and Selwyn district councils, along with Environment Canterbury and Transit New Zealand for more effective and efficient long-term plans for dealing with population growth in the Greater Christchurch area.

Mr Parker urged Diamond Harbour, Purau, Church and Charteris Bay residents to attend the meeting because Christchurch's future growth could put the lifestyles many on the peninsula enjoyed at risk, if it continued to go unchecked.

"There're increasing pressures on Banks Peninsula from the city. One of our greatest resources is a way of life that is the envy of many people in the world. This must continue to be valued and even strengthened, and that won't happen unless we tackle the issues and plan for them. "A strategy for tackling growth would give us an opportunity to really learn and do things well - to plan a place that remains great to live in" Mr Parker says.

The remaining public meetings for the Greater Christchurch UDS are: Diamond Harbour, Monday 16 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Diamond Harbour Community Hall; Burwood-Pegasus, Monday 16 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Te Amorangi, 349 Woodham Road; Kaiapoi, Wednesday 18 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Kaiapoi Service Centre; Rangiora, Thursday 19 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Waimakariri District Council, 215 High Street; Fendalton-Waimairi, Tuesday 23 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Bishopdale Community Centre, Bishopdale Mall, Tertiary students, Tuesday 24 May, 2pm-4pm, Coppertop Room, Commerce Building, University of Canterbury, Spreydon-Heathcote, 25 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Salvation Army, 250 Colombo Street; Lyttelton, Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm-9pm, Lyttelton Recreation Centre, 25 Winchester Street.

ENDS

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