Progress in annual report

Hastings District Council’s annual report for 2017/18 has been adopted and outlines a period of high activity, with a number of major projects and developments across the district.

The most significant has been the infrastructure project for safe and efficient drinking water, with good progress made on improving the resilience, capacity and flexibility of the drinking water network.

A buoyant local economy over the year has been supported by infrastructure and servicing work completed or under way in the Irongate and Omahu Rd industrial areas — enabling significant private sector investment with growth in local jobs.

Investment in residential housing demand was also a priority, and good progress was made in building the Whakatu¯ Arterial Link, along with improvements to other roading, as well as stormwater and wastewater infrastructure to keep up with growing demand.

The Hawke’s Bay Opera House and wider Arts Precinct earthquake strengthening and redevelopment work continued on time and within budget, sustaining the district’s cultural heritage.

Another highlight was the success of council’s focus on youth development, with the youth development team succeeding in getting 85 young people into work.

■ The full annual report, as well as a summary, can be downloaded at /www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/our-council/reports/