RANGITIKEI LINE BULLETIN

Kerbside recycling and rubbish collection deferred

At its meeting on 31 January 2019, Council decided to defer issuing the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the provision of a fortnightly kerbside recycling and weekly rubbish collection service in the urban areas of Rangitikei. It was planned to have this EOI ready by the end of January. However, there is considerable uncertainty about recycling, which makes it difficult for potential suppliers of this new service to provide firm pricing. The Ministry for the Environment is leading a taskforce to identify solutions for recycling. A feasibility study is likely on recycling processing in the MWLASS (Horizons) region. The background to this is that in 2017 China introduced a set of policies (referred to as the ‘National Sword’) which banned or restricted the import of a number of different products including low-quality plastics. There have been further bans and import restrictions since then with a resulting dramatic fall in prices for recyclables in international markets. Lower sale prices mean that exporters of recyclables are facing significant financial pressure. Once there is more certainty, the EOI process will be reinstated.

Animal Control Bylaw updated

Following consideration of submissions at its meeting on 31 January 2019, Council has adopted a revised Animal Control Bylaw which takes effect from 11 February 2019. The main changes are a permit system for bees in urban areas and a setback for beehives in rural areas, of at least five metres from any road boundary.

Marton water strategy

During January, following heavy rainfall and a lightning strike, the Marton town water supply became discoloured. While safe to drink, it stained clothing being washed. The quality variability of the Marton municipal raw water supply (B and C Dams) has been evident since the supply was established many decades ago – an issue experienced by other towns relying on dams rather than bores. This variability is due to a combination of factors, including the chemical nature of the water, the impact of temperature changes and the changes caused by inflows, particularly associated with heavy rainfall. Although recent upgrades to the Marton water treatment plant have delivered significant improvements in treatment and storage capacity, Council has decided to develop a Marton Water Strategy to allow thorough analysis on how to deliver high quality water on a consistent basis. The Assets/infrastructure Committee will consider draft terms of reference on 15 February 2019.

Youth

Applications for the newly established Youth Council close on 15 February 2019. Once its members have been selected, it will start with a weekend (in March) of team building at River Valley and set the 2019 work plan. Six meetings will take place throughout the year along with a July trip to Wellington for the two day Festival for the Future. Youth has a new space in Taihape. With support from Mokai Patea Services, The Lobby Taihape is open Monday-friday 3pm to 5pm to 13 – 18 years olds at 100a Hautapu Street, next door to Westpac. The Lobby offers PS4S, a pool table, a ping pong table, fuze ball, a lounge area with TV, bean bags and kitchen facilities. We need help from volunteers to extend the opening hours, please register your interest in doing this with Nardia Gower – nardia.gower@rangiitkei.govt.nz. Work on the skatepark upgrade at Centennial Park, Marton, starts on 11 February 2019.

Incentivising residential development

At its meeting on 31 January 2019, following consideration of submissions, Council adopted a rates remission policy for incentivising residential development. The policy provides for a rates remission (or holiday) of $5,000 (GST inclusive) for a new residential building constructed anywhere in the Rangitīkei or a relocated dwelling, if brought from outside the Rangitīkei. In addition, the policy eases the rates burden for subdivisions; Council will continue to charge the subdivided property the rates last charged before the subdivision, for up to three years. Any section sold from a subdivision for residential purposes will be rated for one year at the pre-subdivision rate.

Representation review – Local Government Commission hearing

On Friday, 1 March 2019, from 10.30 am, in the Marton Council Chamber, the Local Government Commission will hold its hearing on objections and appeals to the Council’s final proposal for representation arrangement for the 2019 elections. This is a public meeting. The Commission will make its decision by 11 April 2019.