24 April 2020
South Wairarapa District Council has today released its Annual Plan Consultation Document online for community feedback. Council adopted the proposed plan on Wednesday by video-conference, as it was not able to physically meet due to Covid-19 restrictions. A video of the meeting is available on the Council’s website and YouTube channel.
The District’s water improvement projects dominate the proposed 2020/21 Annual Plan. Deemed as critical, a number of projects have been identified to improve the three towns’ water supply networks and bring them up to Government drinking water standards.
South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen says there are critical areas that the Council needs to focus on next year.
“Addressing the issues raised by Wellington Water are ‘must do’s to ensure reliable, clean, clear and safe drinking water for our communities.
“There are other areas highlighted in the Plan, such as raising our game in wastewater and storm water management, and roading, as well as building Council’s capability to deliver across the board,” says Mr Beijen.
A key project in the consultation likely to generate interest is one to develop a multi-sport, multi-access sports and recreational space in Greytown.
“We have been presented with anopportunity to join up with the community on a project to rebuild a bigger Kuranui College gym, purchase existing Rugby Club and Bowling Club land, and to extend the project to create a sports and recreational facility for all in South Wairarapa to enjoy,” says Mr Beijen.
Other proposals outlined in the plan include upgrading housing for seniors and developing action plans for water conservation and waste minimisation. Council is keen for feedback on the latter two to inform what initiatives should be consulted on in the 2021-31Long Term Plan (LTP).
South Wairarapa District Council is very aware of the financial impact of COVID-19 on the community. For the coming year, the proposed, averageincrease is 2.54%, followed by a 1.5% increase every year for the next four years.
“We are mindful of the potential for hardship and have worked to minimise the rates increase while still delivering what we believe the community needs. We want to know what people think about our proposed plan for next year. We urge residents to make submissions before the consultation closes on Sunday 24 May.
“For those in genuine hardship, Council will be discussing possible rates relief options at the 29 April Council meeting,” says Mr Beijen.
The LTP is the Council’s overriding strategic document; annual plans refresh information and provide more detail about the upcoming year’s activities. The two documents should be read alongside each other for a full picture of the Council’s proposed work programme for next year. Work on the three-yearly refresh to the LTP will start later this year.
The Annual Plan Consultation Document 2020/21 is available online at swdc.govt.nz. It will also be available in the Wairarapa MidWeek on Wednesday 13 May.
Ends
Media contact:
Amy Wharram
Communications Manager
027 252 2863
comms@swdc.govt.nz
