Clare Curran

LABOUR CANDIDATE

DUNEDIN SOUTH

THURSDAY 29 MAY 2008

A community vision for South Dunedin and Caversham

Whether or not the new Stadium proceeds in North Dunedin, it is important that the people of South Dunedin and Caversham have their say about what will happen to Carisbrook and the surrounding community, Labour candidate Clare Curran said today.

Ms Curran has begun surveying residents of South Dunedin and Caversham.

"Carisbrook is an important part of South Dunedin and Caversham," she said. " To date, all the debate has been focussed on the new Stadium in North Dunedin with little discussion about the future of the Carisbrook site.

"I believe that we need a community vision for South Dunedin and Caversham that provides important community facilities such as a library.

"We also need to stimulate retail business activity, ensure there are attractive outdoor spaces for people to spend time in; and perhaps to introduce some new housing.

"Currently, the Carisbrook site is zoned industrial. I believe that industrial development in this important part of Dunedin could inhibit its growth as a thriving community providing important services and local business.

"I support the development of industry in Dunedin. But it must be part of a wider community plan that takes into account the views of communities.

"I believe we need a community discussion that acknowledges the need for a vision for South Dunedin and Caversham and the importance of involving those communities in creating that vision."

Ms Curran said such a vision should have as an objective that those communities are an important part of Dunedin and should be invigorated to attract more people to live, work and shop and spend recreational time there.

Should the new stadium proceed, then a community-led discussion should result in the formation of a working party which has standing. It should feed into the process established by the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, ORFU and DCC to dispose of Carisbrook.

Should the stadium not proceed then a working party should be established to provide substantive input into a long-term vision for these communities. This may involve redevelopment of Carisbrook, but certainly also involves invigoration of the South Dunedin and Caversham communities.

"Strong, supportive and attractive communities lie at the heart of my vision for Dunedin and New Zealand.

"Community feedback is important in starting a public discussion on these issues. I will be inviting key members of the community to provide their written thoughts on this issue.

I will also ask the local newspapers to consider publishing some pieces on the issue.

"When a final decision is made about the new stadium, I will advocate that a formal consultation process begin about the future of the Carisbrook site. Having input now will help ensure that their views are heard.

"If people would like to complete the survey they can call me on 03 4557969 or drop into my office at 68 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin," she said.

ENDS

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