Media Statement: Council soon open for consultation on its LTP
Council soon open for consultation on its Long Term Plan
Council opens for public consultation on its Long Term Plan on Friday 3 May. Consultation closes on Friday 7 June.
Council is proposing an average rate revenue increase of 8.9% for year 1 of the LTP, ie this coming year 2024-25.
“Despite the rising costs and difficulties in the general economy, we are pleased to be proposing a single digit average increase for the first three years of the LTP,” said Mayor Gary Petley. “In the medium term this will get Council back in the black by year 4 of the LTP.
“Continuing on this trajectory will bring about financial sustainability within the ten-year period,” continued Mayor Petley. “Looking across New Zealand, this puts us in an enviable position.
“We know the cost-of-living concerns are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, however neglecting our critical infrastructure any longer is not a sustainable option.”
Council is signalling several key issues in its Consultation Document, including achieving financial sustainability within the term of this plan, continued investment into our key infrastructure and moving costs (where reasonable and possible) from rates to those who benefit from the services (ie, user charges). Council is also signalling an intention to rationalise facilities, land and buildings, do more work in the housing development space, assess our pensioner housing portfolio, refresh community contracts so that they align with our new draft goals and install water meters for urban areas.
The Consultation Document also includes detail on our draft vision and goals, some of our key challenges and external pressures.
In the proposal we are indicating a capital spend over the ten-year period of $238 million; over half of which, at $130 million, is in the three waters space (stormwater, water supply and wastewater).
Council encourages submissions. Your feedback will help the Mayor and Councillors make final decisions on behalf of the community.
The Consultation Document, online submission form and all supporting documents are available online at www.southwaikato.govt.nz.
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