Confidence in council annual plan, budget
Council has just adopted the Annual Plan for the new financial year 2017/18. This is about delivering the public services and the infrastructure that the people of the Manawatu District need and want, to make the Manawatu a great place to be.
Our decisions came after receiving submissions from individuals, community groups, schools and various organisations. It was heartening to hear the awesome level of enthusiasm, care and passion our residents of all ages, have for our region.
I am confident this is a good annual plan and budget. It provides for growth and development at a pace we can afford. The level of rate increase of 3.9 per cent (average) is the lowest increase achieved in at least 6 years, following a previous rise of 4.6 per cent, preceded by rises of 5.3 per cent, 4.3 per cent, 4.3 per cent and 4.2 per cent.
The last five years we have had significant financial pressure from investing in the Feilding Wastewater Treatment Plant. We rebuilt the Makino Pool, renewed and improved our infrastructure and recreational assets. This current plan allows that work to continue.
The annual plan is the result of constructive relationships the governance team, (your elected members) has with the council’s chief executive, general managers, staff and the residents of our community. I want to personally acknowledge and thank you all for your support and contribution to local democracy.
Some decisions from the Annual Plan process include: The rehousing of the native birds at Kowhai Park, retain and upgrade the exotic bird aviaries and establish a focus group to undertake a preliminary upgraded aviary design. This group will also discuss future potential for a new native bird aviary.
Additional parking outside the Makino Pool and approval of $6000 towards a feasibility report for the ‘City to Sea’ Rail Trail (Longburn to Himatangi Beach).
Funding of two composting toilets at Awahuri Forest / Kitchener Park, including raised mounting for flood protection. There will be an investigation into additional toilets at Timona Park and the public toilets at Duke St are now be open seven days.
Various levels of funding approved to support the Timona Park bike track upgrade, Sanson playground safety, Pohangina recreational reserve plans, maintenance on council properties at Himatangi, water supply improvements at Halcombe and support for a recreational needs analysis of the District, in light of the community’s desire for an indoor sports stadium.
Support for the Para Kore Waste Minimisation Education Programme, which encourages marae to review how they manage waste.
Funding for an analysis of all stormwater management in our rural villages, recognising that there are ongoing issues.
Full details are available, but it doesn’t stop here. Council has already started work on the next Long Term Plan. This sees the review of all council activities for the next 10 years. Your input is important to this process and the decisions that ultimately have to be made.
I encourage you to participate, to help council balance the expectations of supporting a vibrant and connected community, with how much it all costs us.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The Feilding-Rangitikei Herald welcomes letters. They should not exceed 250 words and must carry a genuine name, home address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited, abridged or omitted without explanation. They can be emailed to feilding.herald@msl.co.nz or posted to PO Box 3, Palmerston North.