Tasman District Council is about to release its draft Ten Year Plan, which outlines the Council and the community's vision for the District. The plan details the services Council intends to provide, the activities it will undertake and the likely costs over the next 10 years.
Mayor Richard Kempthorne said that over the last year he and his fellow Councillors had spent many days planning how to ensure Tasman District remains a desirable place to live and to do business, and identifying where improvements could be made.
"We have considered a range of views from groups and individuals on what we should be doing over the next 10 years and beyond. I believe the plan we have come up with provides something for every community in our District.
"What we have is a practical and achievable Ten Year Plan to keep Tasman a great place. We have been very clear in our intention to produce a plan that does not patch things up and put major work off. That approach would only result in a significant rates increase in future years," Mayor Kempthorne said.
The Council has continued to use targeted rates for projects where clear areas of benefit to communities exist. The proportion of the total rate take from targeted rates is increasing over time.
"We believe this is the most transparent approach to take to funding. People can see just how much things cost and through the submission process tell us if they want that work to continue," he said.
Mayor Kempthorne said the Council had also been very mindful of the current economic climate.
"The situation will no doubt provide challenges for people in our community. With this in mind, we have adopted a 'steady as she goes' approach. This is a time for strong leadership with a calm and careful approach. We have focused on providing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for our growing communities.
"We have provided for some additional environmental protection and enhancement, which is clearly important to our community and visitors, and are also planning some community and recreational projects to enhance the lifestyle opportunities that attract and keep people in our District."
Three key infrastructure projects budgeted in the Ten Year Plan are the reticulated fire fighting water supply for Takaka, the upgrade of the lower Motueka River stopbanks, and the reticulated water supply for Motueka township. These are funded by targeted rates.
Council is predicting annual general rates increases averaging 4.32 percent over the 10 years covered by the plan, including an allowance for inflation which is running at about 3 percent. The proposed general rates increase for 2009/10 is 4.96 percent (including inflation).
Council is planning to spend $417 million on capital projects over the next 10 years. Many of these project will provide infrastructure that will last for many years. To ensure inter-generational equity, Council is planning to loan fund much of the expenditure. Council will continue to manage debt prudently within Treasury policy limits.
Mayor Kempthorne stressed that Council encouraged community feedback on the draft Ten Year Plan.
"We need to know whether people agree or disagree with what we are proposing," he said.
Council will adopt the Funding Impact Statement today and the full draft Ten Year Plan will be officially adopted on Tuesday 17 March. The plan will be publicly available for download from the Tasman District Council website. A copy of the plan can be collected from any Council office or library on CD or in printed form.
Public consultation sessions will be held throughout the District where people can discuss the plan with Councillors and Council staff.
Submissions on the plan can be made up until Monday 27 April 2009.
Thursday 5 March 2009