Growth in housing is a desperate need in the Western Bay. We need to manage this through both intensification (more houses on urban sections) as well as controlled expansion of our urban communities. But there must be a balance to protect neighbours and the environment that drew us to the Western Bays.
Growth comes with both funding (development levies and new ratepayers) as well as costs (infrastructure) so we must invest wisely, and not blow Council’s limited budget on vanity projects.

Achieved so far:
1) New block of 26 homes for the elderly in Katikati;
2) Spatial plan for Te Puke to cater for growth, and more planned for Katikati, Waihi Beach and Te Puna;
2) Firm focus of council spending on core infrastructure, with spending wound back on other projects;

NOTE: achievements are always by the council as a team, not just me!

Next steps:
1) Embrace government policies that focus on more housing and back to basics by local government;
2) An honest discussion with residents and ratepayers about the levels of service that council can afford;
3) Changes in the way council funds for growth -- a very technical matter but one we must get right to avoid overtaxing ratepayers.