SCOPE FOR FUTURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 227, 25 September 1945, Page 6

SCOPE FOR FUTURE

WIDE RANGE FOR REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FRAMEWORK OF NEW BODY An indication-of the wide scope of the Wanganui Regional Planning Council, a new organisation set up this year, was given at a conference of delegates in Wanganui on Friday, when the framework of the council was adopted and a start made with the appointment of committees which will attend to all phases of development over a large area. The object is cor-orclination ot effort so that the district as a whole will benefit. The council will consist of an executive committee, a technical committee and separate committees to deal with each of the following: Land utilisation and primary production, communications and transport, public utilities and services, industrial development, public amenities, housing and local government. The executive is to consist of two members of the technical committee and two from each main committee, also one from each borough and county in the district and members of Parliament and the officers of certain Government departments, as required. Since the first conference was held on March 9, last, a provisional executive has met on several occasions, with the result that a report was submitted yesterday recommending the type of organisation to be adopted for the Wanganui region. This report was compiled, with amendments, from one submitted to the provisional executive by the Hon. W. J. Rogers. Mayor of Wanganui, the secretary of the Wanganui - Rangitikei Power Board, Mr. G. A. Ammundsen, and the city engineer, Mr. L. F. Row.

“It is well to focus carefully on the main objects of a regional planning council,” the report stated. “These may be briefly stated as follows: To organise for the maximum economic and social development of the region as a whole, in conformity with a carefully* co-ordinated and well-planned scheme.

“Before commencing a study of the development of the natural and other resources of the region, it will be necessary to carry out a careful survey of the nature and extent of such resources. This will be the council’s first task. Having completed this survey, the council may then proceed to plan for the development of the region up to its maximum potential production in both the primary and secondary fields. Any expanded production will create problems involving finance, transport, housing, public services and the general welfare of the inhabitants of the region,” the report added. “Within the region there already exist sufficient local bodies, Governments departments and other organisations to cater for most of the specific needs of the community. What does not exist is a common point of contact to ensure that the activities of each separate body are co-ordinated and directed along lines which will result in the maximum benefit to the region as a whole. A regional planning council with a vigorous progressive policy should achieve this object. “It follows therefore that the personnel of the council will to a large measure be drawn from organisations and bodies already operating within the region. This will not, of course, preclude the appointment ot any private citizen who, from his special knowledge and experience, is able to make a constructive contribution in furtherance of the objects.”

As each committee was formed its expert members in the particular field would be best able to amplify and fill in the details required for maximum efficiency and to enlarge the representation on the committee as found expedient. The report emphasised, however, that where practicable each new topic or subject should be delegated to one or other of the main committees, rather than set up a new committee and thus make the organisation unwleldly. “It is f°lt at this stage no useful purpose would be served by setting up district committees for Marton, Taihape, Raetihi. Wanganui, Patea and similar localities,” the report added. “Direct representation on the main executive is provided for both town and country interests in each district. Through these representatives each main committee may make district inquiries on specific matters if and when required, or in like manner may form district sub-committees. “In this way. it is hoped to achieve co-ordinated action for the region as a whole, with little danger of the organisation becoming sectionalised in the special interests of Patea, Wanganui, Marton or other districts.”