Turner on Environment BOP move

Whakatane-based United Future MP, Judy Turner, says the report prepared by Deloittes after interviewing 34 Eastern Bay of Plenty people from the business sector, community groups and local government raises some interesting concerns.

"What is clear is that participants were generally concerned that while Tauranga will continue to grow economically whether the Regional Council relocates or not, there are genuine fears that Eastern Bay of Plenty towns will be hit hard by the move, and some questioned whether or not these communities could in the short to medium term recover.

"The impact of moving people from small communities is far greater than in large communities. It is estimated that 500 people (including family members) could leave.

"The report included one telling comment from a participant who asked whether having established the head quarters in Whakatane, Environment Bay of Plenty has a responsibility to apply the principles of sustainability that they constantly refer to, to this situation.

"The combined effect of reducing the Eastern Bay of Plenty representation on the Council, with the relocation of the HQ, will serve to make the Eastern BOP very much the poor cousin within the region. The loss of good will within the region is of serious concern.

"Concerns about the future of Whakatane Hospital, and about the impact of falling school rolls, the potential downgrading of services that our developing tourism industry relies on and reduced retail options, are just some of the issues Eastern Bay towns will face.

"Recent developments were progressed on current population numbers. What is to become of them if this move is acted on?

"Overall there was a general sense of disquiet in the answers given, that the move was more motivated by political convenience than need.

"The need to increase staffing in Tauranga, could easily be achieved without relocating the HQ.

"If there is any good news it is that there is now an acknowledgement that this proposal falls within the definition of a "significance", and that the Ten Year Plan will need to be amended to include such a high cost exercise.

"The Special Consultative Procedure that the Council are required to undertake when considering such a major project should be robust and unrushed.

"I have yet to be convinced that our current Regional Council are willing to give us the time we need to consider all the issues," said Mrs Turner.

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