Council referendum in the balance

BY WALT DICKSON - WAIRARAPA NEWS

Opponents of the proposed Carterton Events Centre will learn next week whether their efforts have worked.

The Carterton District Residents' and Ratepayers' Association (CDRRA), unhappy at the $6 million price tag for the multipurpose community facility, want council to have a referendum on the project.

Last week the group's 2108- signature petition calling for a referendum was the subject of an informal meeting between CDRRA and council.

The group says the petition is evidence of the level of feeling in the community towards the project and warrants the estimated $20,000 cost of a referendum.

However, vetting of signatory details on the petition showed that around a quarter of the entries were invalid. Valid signatures represent 27 per cent of the Carterton population eligible to vote.

The CDRRA says this is a strong enough mandate to proceed.

Mayor Gary McPhee says he wouldn't object to a referendum if it didn't cost anything because he believes the "bulk of Carterton people are for the centre." However, the referendum question, as presented in the petition was "totally ambiguous", he says.

CDRRA member Doug McPhail says they have a legal opinion that the question was "OK".

Mr McPhee says the facility is long overdue, and achievable. The cost to ratepayers is $1 million over 25 years. Of the additional funding, $2 million comes from reserves set aside by council last year. A trust has been established to raise the remaining $3 million.

Mr McPhee says council will decide next week whether to proceed with a referendum.