Tasman District Council's 2007/2008 Annual Report has revealed an improving balance sheet despite the tough economic climate.
The Annual Report was adopted at the Full Council meeting today and showed Council has come through the year with a surplus of $8,196,000 and net assets (or equity) of $993,370,000. Tasman District Council is now worth close to one billion dollars spread across the whole district.
Council's Chief Executive Paul Wylie said Tasman District Council's single biggest asset was its roads. He said that by maintaining the network of roads across the District the ratepayers of Tasman were making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the entire Nelson Tasman region.
Mr Wylie said work was also continuing on Richmond West, Richmond South and Eastern Golden Bay development plans.
"These need to be done well if we are to protect our natural values while moving with the times. Hopefully this work will be well advanced by the time we come to put out the draft of our 2009/2019 LTCCP," he said.
Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the past year has seen some rapid change across the world and the challenge for Tasman District was to adapt and make the most of the opportunities available.
"With such uncertain economic times it is more important than ever that we live within our budgets. We are very mindful that when we are allocating money to projects we want to ensure the Council resources are committed to projects that strongly benefit and have support from residents and ratepayers of Tasman District," he said.
Mayor Kempthorne said the biggest challenge was managing basic infrastructure: wastewater, stormwater, roading networks and water supplies. These essential services consume a large amount of Council's resources in both financial terms and in planning and managing future needs.
He said the district's most significant water storage project, the Lee Dam feasibility study, was progressing well.
"This project in a critically water short area has the potential to provide irrigation water for 5600ha of productive land on the Waimea Plains, along with Tasman District's projected urban and industrial demand for the next 50 years."
The project is driven by the Waimea Water Augmentation Committee, which has representatives from both Tasman and Nelson councils, water users, Department of Conservation and iwi.
"The Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre has now been completed. While this project received Council support via the Community Facilities Rate, it is also a
stunning example of what a small community with a vision can achieve and I applaud the people of Murchison for their input," Mayor Kempthorne said.
In Richmond the town centre development has also been completed. Sundial Square provides a focal point for the town and has been very well received.
Tasman District Council is now approaching a review of the Long Term Council Community Plan. This is the 10 year plan of expected work and expenditure and Council will be seeking community input to help identify and prioritise work.
|
