South Wairarapa District Council has today released its Annual Plan for 2019/20.

The Plan was adopted by Council on June 26, following a submissions process in which almost 180 ratepayers contributed feedback.

New initiatives adopted under the Plan include a 12-month trial in reducing library charges (the same as Carterton District Council), as well as a trial of extended swimming pool hours for one season, at the end of which the Council will examine swimmer numbers during the extension times.

Extra footpath maintenance will go ahead and be funded by infrastructure reserves, and increased funding has been provided to build a new dog pound.

The newly released Annual Plan includes increased funding for the Māori Standing Committee and bringing forward the budget for the Manganese Extraction Plant for Martinborough.

There will also be a change in funding of SWDC’s housing for seniors, including a rental increase for tenants. Over the last few years Council has found it increasingly difficult to fund the full cost of providing this service. The increase will realign rental prices, bringing them closer to current market rates, while also allowing for essential maintenance on the properties.

The resulting Annual Plan means a slight increase in rates above that projected in the Long Term Plan – 5.48%versus the projected 4.76%.

South Wairarapa Mayor Viv Napier thanked residents who submitted on the Annual Plan.

“As you would expect, the responses we received were varied, however, there was a spread of support across the initiatives that were consulted on,” she said.

“The community plays a valuable role in determining what the District needs to become an even better place to live.”

The Annual Plan for 2019/20 can be found on the SWDC website here.

ENDS

Media contact:

Amy Wharram

Communications Manager

027 252 2863