10-year plan sets district’s future
Waipa¯'s councillors unanimously adopted the council's 10-Year Plan last week, approving an average annual rates increase of 1.46 per cent for the next decade.
The plan confirms support for five of the six major projects the council outlined in its consultation material. While council has supported the $500,000 grant to a new O¯ haupo¯ sport and recreation centre, the catchment area for contributing ratepayers will be reviewed.
After hearing feedback from the community council added to the budget, finding funds to new public toilets in Pirongia ($250,000), increasing funding for the district's two i-Sites (a further $30,000 each a year) and subject to appropriate planning, has granted $800,000 to the Cambridge Historical Society to help build a new museum in Cambridge.
Councillors also agreed to contribute $150,000 for a memorial war museum in Le Quesnoy, France, contingent upon fundraising targets being met and the project being confirmed and approved by French authorities.
Waipa¯ District Council will also give $100,000 per year for three years to the Three Peaks Ride: New Zealand Cycling Festival.
Mayor Jim Mylchreest said the official sign off is the start of something very exciting for Waipa¯ .
“Our story for the next 10 years includes the largest capital expenditure council has ever committed to. The bulk of this is going towards building core infrastructure which means we can be ready for the growth coming our way,” he says.
“It's fantastic to see the community has supported some significant community projects that will make sure our district continues to be a champion place to be. By taking a careful look at our finances, we've managed to keep our average annual rates increases at an affordable level.
“We are well below our prudent level of debt and means we are in a great position for the next 10 years.”
Ratepayers can check their rates via an online calculator which shows expected rates increases for the next 10 years. The calculator on futurewaipa.co.nz is now live and outlines the approved 10-Year Plan budget in detail.