PUBLIC FORUM
4.1 SEAWEED ON PAH BEACH - MARGARET HADFIELD
Margaret Hadfield raised concerns about the build-up of seaweed on Pah Beach
which she said appeared to be getting worse, rather than improving, making parts
of the beach nearly unusable. She also highlighted the unpleasant odour created
by the seaweed and considered that it was time that something was done about the
situation.
John
Ogden advised that he had sent off some algae samples for analysis and that it
appeared to be a particularly unusual algae as it does not decompose. He also
made the point that while there may be similar algal blooms in other places,
without knowing whether it is the same algal species involved; it is difficult
to say whether it is the same cause. It was possible that there was a
localised cause but until the causes are known and addressed, he felt it would
be a waste of money removing the seaweed.
It
was noted that this matter was an Auckland Regional Council one and the chair
indicated that he had already spoken with Mike Lee regarding it.
4.2 'DRIVE FRIENDLY' SIGNS - JOHN CRAN
John
Cran raised concerns that with the summer approaching, the sign that he had
requested be installed on the corner of the access road to his property had not
yet been done. He also raised concerns regarding subsidence across the causeway
on the access road.
Mention was also made that a 'drive friendly' sign had not been installed on the
fence in front of the service centre.
Reg
Cuthers agreed to discuss John Cran's issues with him following the meeting.
4.3 GREAT WALK - GAEL JOHNSON
Gael
Johnson tabled a petition containing 25 signatures/proxy signatures seeking a
moratorium on any further action on the 'Great Walk' proposal for a year from 1
February 2010 to allow landholders and shareholders of properties in the
southern end of the island to be fully consulted.
[ATTACHMENT 4.3]
4.4 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT - JOHN OGDEN
John
Ogden, chairperson of the Great Barrier Island Charitable Trust, spoke to his
tabled submission and sought funding towards the printing costs in publishing A
State of the Environment Report being prepared by the trust.
Jacqui Dyer, Department of Conservation Area Manager, advised that DOC supported
the document and felt it would be a very useful document in further protecting
the Great Barrier environment, and enabling grant aid bids for all the
conservation groups on the island.
Board members raised the matter of the lack of supporting quotes in the funding
application and suggested that a range of quotes be obtained.
[ATTACHMENT 4.4]
4.5 GREAT WALK - JEFF HILL
Jeff
Hill raised concerns that Great Barrier Island was going to become like other
parts of the world and there was value in leaving things as they are. He wanted
to know who was proposing the Great Walk and what the reasons were behind it.
The chairperson responded to Mr Hill's questions.
Moved:
Downie/Somerville-Ryan
That the public forum submitters be thanked for their presentations.
CARRIED
