Why make a submission?
The Council is seeking public input on protecting, adding to and enhancing public open space (public parks, walkways, waterways, sports grounds, gardens, reserves, etc.) for the next thirty years. The Lyttelton Harbour basin (and the rest of Banks Peninsula) is included in the Draft Public Open Space Strategy 2010 -2040 which is currently open for submissions. If you are concerned about the loss of public access to the harbour coastline and hills which has occurred recently (mainly due to sprawling private subdivisions which are blocking access), it is important that you make a submission to this effect. If you would like to see more coastal and hill land protected for public use and enjoyment, and have ideas on which areas are most in need of protection and enhancement, please let the Council know.
How to make a submission
You can read the Draft Strategy and make your submission on the submission questionnaire on-line here
OR you can read the strategy document and obtain paper submission questionnaires at a library or council service centre
OR you can write a submission in your own words, and post it to the Civic Offices, 163-173 Tuam Street, Christchurch, or hand deliver it there no later than 5 p.m. on Friday February 5.
You can also add extra comments of your own to the submission questionnaire. Whichever way you make a submission, be sure to give all your contact details, and say whether you would like to speak to your submission when the Council holds hearings on the Strategy.
About the documents
The documents below are to help you make your submission, whichever way you make it.
They are:
(1) The Banks Peninsula section of the Draft Strategy [PDF 773kb]
(2) Making an Open Space Strategy submission - prepared by Christine Dann for the Lyttelton Harbour Landscape Protection Association and the Transition Harbour Project. (Some 'big ideas' to include in your submission, and some specific points.) [Word doc - download]
(3) Purau Reserve Presentation (For supporting material on why the Purau Headland in particular needs to be reserved as open space urgently.) [Word doc - download]
(4) CCC Draft Public Open Space Submission - prepared by Richard Suggate for the Diamond Harbour Community Association. (Follows the format of the CCC submission questionnaire, with ideas for answers to each question.) [Word doc - download]
Does your view really count?
Not by itself - but you are not alone. 33 people took copies of or signed up for these 'submission support' documents at the Diamond Harbour stall on Saturday - and the stall will be run again at the Lyttelton Market next Saturday. Still more people have already made submissions, or are planning to do it soon. So please play your part in creating a big push towards protecting more open space on our lovely harbour.
best wishes
Please phone Christine Dann on 329 4588 (before January 28) if you get stuck in your submission-writing process and would like some help.