Motueka Locals Need More Information on Possible Community Board Loss.

CommunityAction for People and Planet for immediate release: 27 October 2005

Motueka community group CommunityAction for People and Planet says the Tasman District Council needs to offer the public more information before recommending sweeping changes to local body representation.

The TDC’s Representation Review Subcommittee proposes axing Motueka’s Community Board,and giving Richmond another councillor. CommunityAction hopes Motueka residents won’t lose their Community Board without having the opportunity to weigh up the alternatives.

“Motueka needs access to local democracy that is situated closer than the Council’s Richmond Office. It remains to be seen whether a Community Board or a Community Association will best fulfill that function.” Said CommunityAction spokesman Duncan Eddy.

“Motueka Ward residents won’t be able to make an informed decision as to whether we prefer a Community Board or a Community Association until we have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each system.”

“We call on Council to provide the public with greater information on the options, and not to make a hasty decision before the public has had the opportunity to weigh up the possibilities.”

“It's vital that the outlying areas in Tasman have adequate access to local decisionmaking.”

ENDS

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