A lot to be proud of in 2009

OPINION: Here we are again – it's almost Christmas and I don't know where the time goes, writes Frana Cardno this week.

They say that as you get older time goes faster, but I am on the outlook for the person who is cheating me of several of the months of this year.

I thought I would look back over the year, not only to remind myself of what has happened but also to look at the council's achievements, and I believe we have a lot to be proud of.

There have been highs and lows but, like the Ranfurly Shield holders, our own Southland Stags, we have and will continue to work and fight hard for what we need to make this province as strong as it can be.

The Southland District Council has spent a lot of time this year dealing with issues not of its own making and, in fact, often happening despite a lot of hard work put in by staff. Roading is the perennial example and I know I go on about it a bit, but it is the biggest challenge council faces.

Staff and consultants put a lot of effort into producing a definitive activity management plan for roading, as part of our long-term plan. This plan showed us as councillors where we are with our roads and what needs to be spent to at least maintain them at the present level.

Our roads affect our economic prosperity and, because we provide so much to the national economy, the effect is felt there as well. We weren't particularly thrilled about the rates increase that had to go with this work but we knew it was necessary. That's why it has been so hard to deal with the lack of funding from Government and the New Zealand Transport Agency – we did what was asked in producing a comprehensive plan and then it was discarded.

However, we are working hard with both ministers and the New Zealand Transport Agency to find solutions.

The opening of the new Papatotara coast road showed what co-operation and teamwork between all agencies, from council, landowners and contractors to the NZTA, can do, as the work and timing was innovative.

Council was also excited about the prospect of a cycle trail in Southland and once again the southern councils led the way in joining together to put our case forward. Venture Southland has been working hard on the proposal and it has just become a bit more difficult by the hints that we have to find substantial amounts of funding. That's not what we were told in the beginning.

The track will provide a huge economic advantage to the region and, if done properly, could become the Milford Track of cycle trails.

The local councils have spent a lot of time working together for the betterment of Southland, with one such example being the recent Leaders' Forum, run by Our Way Southland. Ideas to improve life for all were brought up and we look forward to them being developed.

The four southern councils have also agreed to amalgamate their Civil Defence responsibilities. It has taken a while to sort things out but Southland is again going to lead the way in developing a structure that will provide a level of coordination necessary to mount an effective response.

I have enjoyed the fun times too, the puppet shows with librarian Willie Solomon at early childhood centres and kindergartens and helping Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks find his hidden talents in puppetry.

Developing our long-term plan has meant council is looking forward too, and is working on the possible issues the district will face.

So at this time I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and festive season. Please have a safe and happy New Year and I look forward to another busy year in 2010.

» Frana Cardno is the Southland District mayor.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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