Get into Nelson’s future

Nelsonians with an eye to the bigger picture are being offered an opportunity to have their say at a series of workshops being run by Vision Nelson at the Freehouse Yurt on Sunday afternoons.

Vision Nelson spokesman John-Paul Pochin says he was stoked to have around 50 people turn up to the first session last Sunday.

“We had a few election candidates there and a good representation of people who would like to put some pressure on council and candidates to look further head than the next three years with their policies,” he said. “In 2013 council produced a great template for the future called ‘Nelson 2060’ and we want to see the new council reactivate that and really get the public on board.”

Pochin said transport emerged as a significant issue at the first session, and the next workshop, at 4pm on Sunday September 4, will focus on how can we improve our transport system over the next three years in a way that best fits the ‘Nelson 2060’ strategy.

“This is an opportunity to think outside the square. How do we make our transport system more sustainable…could we reduce the need for some journeys through better urban design…how do we increase opportunities for social interaction, encourage healthy transport choices and make traveling more enjoyable?” he said. “Vision Nelson is keen to hear people’s thoughts and give them the opportunity to pitch their idea or join in discussions and help select the best solutions.”

Everybody will have just one minute to get their idea across. The ideas will then be discussed by the group and rated for ‘fit’ with the ‘Nelson 2060’ vision.

“The top ideas could then be pitched to the new council or we could even work as a group to implement them independently to the council,” Pochin said. “Nelson has a great opportunity to come up with some creative ideas to make the future a lot more attractive and sustainable – we need to act to make this happen.”

The Vision Nelson transport workshop is at the Freehouse Yurt in Collingwood St
on Sunday 4 September, at 4pm. Entry free.

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