TCDC News Briefs

New toilets for Waioumu.
Visitors to the Coromandel this Labour Weekend can enjoy a more comfortable comfort stop in Waioumu with the opening of the new public toilets in the town. The toilets will be open for use from Friday but to avoid vandalism, will be locked from 5.30pm to 7am daily.

Cemetery closed overnight
Vehicle access to Totara Cemetery will be closed from 5.30pm to 7am daily to try to prevent vandalism at the cemetery. Pedestrian access will still be allowed.

Advice for surviving tsunami
Tsunami action plans are being drafted for communities around the eastern side of the Peninsula with advice on how to recognise signs of a tsunami, what to do and how to be prepared. The plans are contained in pamphlets that will be mailed to all ratepayers in communities at risk of a tsunami and will also be distributed around town. The pamphlets are being prepared by local Emergency Management Committees, made up of representatives from Thames-Coromandel District Council, Civil Defence, Police, Fire Service and St Johns Ambulance.

Mercury Bay Parking
The Mercury Bay parking controls have been reviewed by the community board and will go to the Thames-Coromandel District Council full meeting on November 5. The review identified additional locations that need controls applied. In particular, the side streets of Whitianga and the majority of Grange Road up to the Cathedral Cove car park highlighted. All aspects of the schedule are patrolled and enforced in the Mercury Bay community board area.

Swinging surfboard and ‘supernova’ roundabout for Whitianga playground
Mercury Bay Community Board has decided to retain the Whitianga playground in its current location on the esplanade and have approved a budget of $70,000 in the current financial year to upgrade the playground. The council is working with the "Mercury Bay Community Recreation Unit" to establish what the playground will contain, and is in the process of competitively pricing the equipment and purchasing it. Stage one will see a climbing net and Kompan “Supernova” roundabout installed. Stage two will be built following community fund raising with potential for a new pirate ship similar to the one at Onemana beach, a buddy swing, balance beams and stepping stones as well as a swinging surfboard. Some older pieces of equipment may be removed to make room for the new play equipment.