Tasman districts net worth continues to grow despite economic pressures
30 October 2009
Tasman District Council's 2008/2009 Annual Report has revealed a strong balance sheet in spite of the challenging economic climate.
The Annual Report, adopted at today’s Full Council meeting in Richmond, showed that Council has completed a strong year with a surplus in line with budget expectations, and net assets (or equity) increasing to just over one billion dollars.
Council's Chief Executive Paul Wylie said that the meeting of the infrastructure needs of the districts17 settlement areas continues to be an ongoing challenge for Council. Increased population growth for the district has necessitated a significant investment in new and improved infrastructure, which has contributed to Councils overall worth to the local economy.
Mr Wylie also said that developing the Ten Year Plan (Council’s Long Term Community Plan) was a major undertaking for Council, and has resulted in a good foundation for taking the district through the next ten years and beyond.
A large number of projects have been undertaken by Council over the last 12 months which will enhance the well being of the Tasman district including:• Making parts 1 and 2 of the Tasman Resource Management Plan operative
• Finalising the Richmond West plan change
• Urban development plans for Motueka and Ruby Bay
• Continued investigations on the Lee Valley Dam in association with the Waimea Water Augmentation Committee
• Opening the new Resource Recovery Centre in Murchison
• Ongoing success with the new library at Takaka
• Commencement of the planning process for the preparation of a landscape development plan into the Mapua Waterfront Park
• Opening a new pavilion in Lord Rutherford Park
• Preparation of a redevelopment plan for the District Library
• Completion of the cycleway from Motueka to Lower Moutere Mr Wylie concluded that overall Council has had a very good year.
Mayor Richard Kempthorne said, “The past year has been a very busy one for Council with two significant projects having taken up a large amount of Councillor and staff time, the Ten Year Plan and the Richmond West Plan. In addition to these activities Council has also focused its attention on a number of environmental and community projects and services in Tasman’s communities.” Mayor Kempthorne went on to echo Mr Wylie’s comments saying, “Council has an interesting and challenging few years ahead of it to effectively deliver the projects outlined in our Ten Year Plan, including the provision of infrastructure services like roading, water supplies, wastewater, and stormwater to meet community needs at an affordable cost to ratepayers; all within a turbulent economic environment. We will be focusing on doing an excellent job whilst remaining dedicated to enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of the district.”
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