Letters 23 July 2010
TDC noise rules
The community board asks if motocross at Motupippi conforms to the district plan 55dB noise rule? The short answer is no. The levels recorded by council staff 500 metres from the track were 57 to 67dB. Well above what is permitted.
But this is not relevant. Motocross is considered a productive rural activity and is therefore exempt from the rules as stated by council managers Paul Wylie and Dennis Bush-King. By contrast frost fans, which protect wine crops, are not exempt. They are allowed no more than 55 decibels 100 metres from the fan. Frost fans are not considered a productive rural activity. Which of course raises the obvious question: do Paul Wylie and Denis Bush-King walk backwards to work?
John Salmon
Reply from Dennis Bush-King, TDC environment and planning manager: The council’s noise rules in rural zones exempt mobile horticultural and agricultural equipment from having to comply with relevant noise standards. Motorbikes on farms are not therefore covered by the rules.
Pink Floyd
I was greatly amused by the Pink Floyd reference in last week’s GB Weekly’s Letters section. I hope this continues and I eagerly anticipate the following:
Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk for the next letter about IMG.
Vegetable Man for Sol’s next column.
A Pillow of Winds for the weather report.
Careful with that axe, Eugene - follow up to Will Blackett’s work ... and so forth.
Jon Pawley
A conversation
I‘d like to create a cozy environment for a group of individuals who would like to look at issues and planning around the concept of Takaka Hill (Marble Mt) closed for an extended period due to a major earthquake. I have concerns. If you have as well, please connect through bdooley@mercout.com
Bruce Dooley
New Pohara walkway/cycleway
We would like to congratulate both the TDC and the contractors on our fabulous new walkway/cycleway alongside Pohara Beach.
At high tide, when it is necessary to leave the beach, it used to be a nightmare of rubble and broken glass where you would take your life in your hands as trucks and vans drove within inches of those who dared to run the gauntlet between the band rotunda and the campground. Now a pleasant and safe experience may be had, on a level walkway with a barrier between you and the traffic. Well done everyone concerned and a big thank you from all of us who use it regularly.
Jenny and Geoff Heath
Golden Bay Medical Centre Trust
Regarding the article about the appointment of the Tasman District Council representative to the Golden Bay Medical Centre Trust (GBW 16/7) the main issue for the Golden Bay Community Board is that the council had not followed its ‘in-committee’ resolution of 12 March 2010.
Among other things, this resolution required the calling of nominations for the position and consultation with the board by the mayor and deputy mayor, who had been delegated to make the appointment. Neither the calling for nominations nor the required consultation occurred.
During the 13 July meeting the board agreed to request that “the provisions of resolution CN 10/03/14 be given effect to by Tasman District Council.”
There has been sufficient time since 12 March for the requirements of the council resolution to be fulfilled and it is disappointing that this did not happen.
Joe Bell Chairperson, Golden Bay Community Board
