Central Otago District Council has received record levels of feedback on its Vincent Spatial Plan Let’s Talk Options community engagement.

A total of 572 surveys were received by Council providing feedback on the options presented in the engagement booklet for how future growth could be accommodated in the Vincent ward area of the district. 

A further 20-30 emails and letters were received with additional comments and ideas. 

The public engagement process ran for two months from mid-December to mid-February, and involved drop-in sessions, pop up displays at events, school visits, posters and promotion via radio, print and online.

The Vincent Spatial Plan is a plan being developed to address the challenges and opportunities of growth and land use in the Alexandra/Clyde area and Omakau/Ophir, mapping out a pathway for the next 30 years and beyond.

Overall, there was proportional representation from Alexandra, Clyde and Omakau townships; and a slightly higher proportion of responses were received from lifestyle and rural residents over townsfolk.

Age ranges were consistently represented, particularly in the 30 through 69 age brackets. 

Valuable input was also received from the under 20 age-group, through targeted engagement with Dunstan High School and Omakau School students, as well as the Central Otago Youth Council.

CODC Executive Manager Planning and Environment Louise van der Voort said she was thrilled with the level of engagement from the community.

“We were really happy with the 477 responses we received on our Cromwell Masterplan Let’s Talk Options engagement process two years ago, but to receive almost 100 more surveys for the engagement on this planning process blew us away and we thank everyone who took the time to get involved. 

“Staff are currently analysing survey responses and we look forward to sharing this feedback soon.”