Milton Main Street final concept design approved
The final concept design for Milton’s Main Street has been approved by Council.
In preparing the final concept, Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects identified some design work to improve road safety, trees and additional off-street parking at Gray Street.
A decision on which one of the two feature wall concepts - a stainless steel post/wire climbing plant structure or the recycled brick mural wall and artwork - would not be made until final design and costings came back to Council.
Reduction of the berm/footpath on the north side only of Eden Street was also approved to improve safety.
Council will also engage with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and investigate reducing the current speed limit.
Concerns raised about the sale of farms to forestry in Clutha
Concerns about the economic future of the Clutha District have been raised, with more farms being sold to become carbon forestry.
Speaking in public forum, Clutha Vets Chief Financial Officer Hamish Moore, raised concerns about the flow on effect this could have for the district.
Farm to forestry conversion and concerns Council had regarding the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry) Regulations were discussed at Council’s Regulatory and Policy Committee in February.
Council will make a late submission to Government requesting productive agricultural and pastoral land is protected from forestry and that the Government researches the impact of social, cultural, economic, hydrological, food reduction and other environmental effects.
Road stopping approved
Final road stopping was approved for Town Hall Street in Balclutha.
The road stopping is to allow for a more flexible and multi-purpose use of the road, in conjunction with the Clutha Community Hub and carpark.
But also to still provide the same access and acceptable safety to all operating in this area.
The proposal received no objections following recent consultation.
Request for changes to assist patients
Council staff will investigate options to improve a crossing point between Clutha Health First and the helipad on Charlotte Street in Balclutha.
Clutha Health and Otago Rescue Helicopter have requested improvements to help improve safety and speed up the transfer of patients to the rescue helicopter.
Surface smoothing, kerbing and flashing warning lights were requested and will be among the options council investigates.
Stage 2 water restrictions for Clutha District, Milton at stage 3 reminder
With hot, dry conditions continuing, the whole Clutha District except for Milton, has been moved to stage 2 water restrictions.
Milton remains on stage 3 water restrictions due to critically low reservoir levels.
Stage 2 restrictions mean:
• People can only use a handheld hose for watering gardens, between 8pm to 8am only.
• Hoses cannot be left on overnight or unattended.
• Sprinkler & irrigation system use is banned.
• Commercial operators that require water can contact Council for approval.
Thank you for your understanding.