7 May 2019

Thank you to all those who attended the Featherston Community Meeting last week to discuss the Council’s proposals in this year’s Annual Plan. There was some great discussion with a variety of opinions raised. We really thank you for your time and your insights.

Below are the questions raised that we promised to get back to you on.

• $80K of additional capex (funded by the developer) has been allocated to providing supplementary water supply to the Featherston tiny house development. How many houses will receive water for this budgeted $80K?

Original plan was for 120 houses plus community buildings. A revised plan is expected to be lodged soon with a smaller number than that.

• Are the plastic rubbish bags that we use currently biodegradable?

SWDC plastic bags are made out of recycled materials but are not biodegradable.  We have been advised of a source of bags that will break down within 18 months. These come at an additional costs. We will be investigating this option.

• Can Council provide hall/room plans to people requesting to hire Council venues?

SWDC staff are working on providing these plans going forward.

• What would rents for senior housing have to rise to in order to cover costs?

Rents would need to go to an average of $162.00 per week to break even.

• How will ratepayers know which footpaths have been funded by the extra footpath budget? How will Council show that all towns have received their fair share of the budget allocation?

Expenditure on footpaths will be coded according to the town and so can be reported on and shared on our website, with the Community Boards and Infrastructure and Services Committee.

• How much money is sitting in the Featherston Development Contributions Fund?

There is $457,000 in the Featherston Infrastructure reserve.