Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

Hands up everyone who wants Tauranga to be like Auckland – anyone?

I thought so. Then why are we following in their footsteps by continuing to sprawl out like Auckland?

The things that make Tauranga great could be at risk if we follow Auckland's sprawl. These include our 20-minute travel time across the city and our awesome work-life balance.

This week we finalised the city plan that sets the rules for where we live, work, learn, and play.

These rules can lag up to 10 years before they are noticeable in the community.

So let's protect the things that make Tauranga great by thinking ahead.

For instance, congestion at the city's traffic hot-spots will only increase if we continue with building cul-de-sacs in the suburbs.

These layouts make it hard to design public transport – and it forces people into cars to get anywhere.

What I'm saying is the market is beginning to demand more people living within a short walk of key retail centres.

This will help our retailers, since more people can avoid the carpark issue.

The cost of transport is also contributing to housing affordability; it's not just about the mortgage.

In other news this week, we finalised the increased tolls for Route K starting in two weeks.

These tolls are a transition towards central government's tolling, as they take control in 12 months. Ratepayers are still better off – even if 10 per cent of vehicles currently using Route K avoid it after July 1.

We've also changed the zoning of 171 Elizabeth St to allow for a night shelter for the homeless.

The homeless are entitled to an accommodation allowance from government if they can find somewhere to stay.

This will make the shelter self-funding. Safety for neighbouring properties will be paramount for the trust running the shelter.

Surf Life Saving NZ presented their report on this summer's paid weekday patrols.

Next summer they agreed to patrol Tay St for two weeks with no increase in funding by shuffling around the lifeguard roster early in the season.

We're selling the surplus land of the unformed section of Hilltop Rd in Parkvale. It will take $130,000-plus off our debt.

This week is Volunteer Awareness Week. The city couldn't run without people doing things just for the love of their community. Please take time to show your appreciation to those volunteers.

Feel free to email me your thoughts (matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz), call/text me on 027 6989 548, or contact me at www.facebook.com/a.younger.voice.