The Community Development Committee was held in Matua this week, with about 50 people and staff attending.

Resident Phil Hanson spoke in the Public Forum regarding a boardwalk proposal, around the end of the Matua peninsular that currently sits in the Ten Year Plan.

Concerns raised were cost, security, environmental impact and slips on the cliff above the proposed boardwalk.

Elected members will discuss this and other issues as we head into Long Term Plan briefings and meetings.

Russell Houghton, from Otumoetai Railway Gardens Society Incorporated, gave a slide show on the gardens and discussed the benefits enjoyed by the people who participated by having a plot at the gardens.

The spring blossoms are outstanding and well worth a visit.

Richard Kluit from Matua Residents Association gave a presentation and update on what the group has achieved throughout the years. The Association has made many donations to local projects, he says.

Tauranga City councillor Bev Edlin introduced TCC's Long Term Plan and touched on the City Vision.

A brief overview of the process of the Long Term Plan was given by Cheryl Steiner from council. A question was asked by a ratepayer as to where they can find information on making submissions to council.

This will be followed up and put on TCC's website in the near future.

During the Annual Plan process there were about 700 submissions and 100 presentations made to councillors.

Campbell Larking, Graeme Dohnt and Steve Burton from council then presented information on storm water and showed the modelling maps that had been completed for this area.

Mayor Stuart Crosby expects about $300-$400 million would be required to address storm water issues throughout Tauranga.

An integrated approach to storm water will be needed in the future which includes subdivision considerations, permeable surfaces, roading and open space design.

The meeting finished with open floor questions and a mix and mingle with councillors and residents.