All-weather sports turf Debate

Community Wellbeing - Cost of Living

Option 1

Residents express concerns that the construction of an all-weather sports turf is a luxury rather than a necessity, particularly in light of current financial pressures from rising rates. Many believe that the financial burden of such a project could disproportionately affect low-income families, arguing for a more cost-effective approach that still improves sports field accessibility without significant rate increases. Additionally, there is skepticism about potential budget overruns associated with the project, with a preference for allocating funds to more pressing community needs.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
75.6	There are must haves and then there are it would be nice to have...at a time when rates increases are impacting residents, this is a nice to have
987.6	Option 1 will have much less of a financial impact on whanau, especially low-income households, while still improving the accessibility of sports fields.  There needs to be consideration around whether a new sports turf should be prioritised over ensuring more financial stability for low-income communities.
1216.6	Sports is one of the most highly funded areas by Council. Large numbers of Nelsonians do not play sport, especially the contact team sports. I would like Council to place more of the burden of of the cost of field maintenance on the clubs that use the the fields.
1282.6	The field is a luxury not a necessity, especially when facing rate rises in the current financial climate
1412.6	What always happens with these types of purchases is that the budget blows out massively, almost immediately after the paperwork is signed. Will end up costing residents 3 or 4 times the initial estimate. We shouldn't do this right now, more important things need attention