Referendum for beach residents

A REFERENDUM on the proposed wastewater scheme for Himatangi Beach is to be conducted by the Manawatu District Council following a public meeting in the township last Saturday.

Wastes Manager, Peterson Asante, said it was hoped to send out the referendum form to more than 420 property owners within the next two or three weeks so they could indicate their support or otherwise for the scheme.

Mr Asante said up to 240 people attended the 90 minute-long meeting and he was pleased that many had taken the opportunity to air their feelings and observations.

“There was a good response from the floor, with questions coming from all angles,” he said, “and this allowed council to outline certain points and provide clarification.”

Questions surrounding sand issues, electricity usage, the Sandown Park development and council’s provision for owners who had recently installed new systems were among those addressed.

An information sheet outlining the proposal and a list of frequently asked questions, with answers, had been available to all those who attended the meeting.

Mr Asante said the capital cost for the scheme was $5.6 to $6.6 million of which 50 percent would be funded by central government.

“If the scheme goes ahead, council will provide individuals with the opportunity of paying their contribution in a lump sum or to spread the repayments out, through rates, over a 20-year loan period.”

He said council was hoping to make a decision on the proposal in April after analysing the results of the referendum.