I read, with interest, a recent council vacancy for a SmartGrowth wellbeings implementation officer.

The advert said that since the review in 2013, SmartGrowth now took a much broader approach in recognising the impacts of land-use on social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeings.

The Community Development Committee recently supported Tauranga City Council staff time involvement in the Western Bay of Plenty Food Policy Council.

This will involve one-two staff attending meetings on a bi-monthly basis.

A recent Safe City project produced flyers on teen health and teen tools.

During the last seven years I've seen more and more roles being taken up by councils that I believe should be Central Government initiatives and responsibilities.

Some of the time council has had little say in the matter, such as the new OSH Regulations that will come into law later this year.

Other times, council has made their own decision and commitment as to what it sees as being a priority for the community.

If you have a view on this or any other matter that you would like to present via a submission to council, remember to get these in by 4pm on April 20, 2015.

Refer to council's website for further details or visit any library or council reception in Willow St, for a submission form.

Doreen Anderson spoke at the City Vision Committee on April 13 regarding the proposed closure of a walkway between Seaway Terrace and Ngatai Rd.

A KiwiRail representative confirmed they would not allow access across their railway line.

Council could apply for a grant – this means submitting plans to KiwiRail that would show an overbridge.

Council staff advised this would cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.