Shoring up Waimate’s future
Future proofing Waimate’s infrastructure, especially drinking water and roads, is at the heart of the Long Term Plan 2018-28, now out for public feedback.
Ageing infrastructure is a prime focus for Council as is the roading network and the growing demands being placed on it.
In an effort to balance the needs of the community as well as keep rates increases to a minimum, the Long Term Plan addresses two key issues – upgrading drinking water, and fixing roads. The Plan also asks for public feedback on economic development, water and sewage pipe renewals, and policy changes.
Mayor Craig Rowley says the community quite rightly expects their water to be safe for drinking and is therefore necessary to start upgrading the various supplies. Roads, too, have been identified as needing significant investment to cope with increased demand.
"Our roads are under extreme pressure as the network was never designed for the loads they are carrying today, both in increased vehicle use and heavier vehicle weights," says Mayor Rowley.
"We are taking a proactive approach to invest in our ageing infrastructure to ensure it is fit for purpose now and into the future."
Council has been discussing how this critical work can be done without having too great a burden on ratepayers.
"We’re proposing an average rates increase of 6.6% over the next three years. We’re very aware of the financial issues facing the community and the hardship that is being experienced in many sectors and we have worked hard to keep rates increases as low as possible. It is, however, our responsibility to make sure our infrastructure performs as it should."
A specially prepared consultation document will be sent to all households through the Waimate Trader at the end of this week and people have until Wednesday 16 May 2018 to provide feedback. All information is available at www.waimatedc.govt.nz and the public are also invited to attend one of the 10 Community Chat forums with local councillors in various locations throughout the district.
"I would encourage everyone to have their say. This is an important democratic process and the feedback we receive from the community will help us make the final decisions for the next 10 years."