Southland local government leaders have made significant progress towards confirming the governance structure of an entity to further the aims of the Southland Regional Development Strategy.
Southland Mayoral Forum chairman Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said today that a meeting of all parties yesterday was very constructive.
He acknowledged recent concerns about the length of time it has taken for the next move to bring the aspirations of SoRDS to life.
“While it has certainly taken longer than anticipated to get to this point, it has been worth it. We need to ensure the framework we put in place behind SoRDS is robust and effective.”
Mr Hicks said it was planned to release a consultation document, which will include the governance structure of an entity to further the aims of SoRDS, after a mayoral forum scheduled for next Thursday (13 July).
Details of the consultation process will also be laid out at that time.
“At this stage we are planning on the four councils undertaking a joint consultation process,” Mr Hicks said.
There will be public meetings at strategic locations around Southland, that is Gore, Te Anau and Invercargill, as well as the usual consultation channels, he said.
Mr Hicks said he was looking forward to taking the conversation about Southland’s future and SoRDS’ aims to communities throughout the province.