Low response concerns councillors

SOUTHLAND

A LACK of submissions on funding for regional projects has been redflagged by Southland councillors.

Questions as to whether 29 submissions on the draft revenue and financing policy and rating review were representative of the community were raised by Southland district councillors at yesterday’s finance and assurance committee meeting.

Cr Ebel Kremer asked about communication channels given the ‘‘poor turnout of submissions’’.

‘‘There’s probably not a large number of our community members that log on to the council website. There’s probably no real reason for them to do so.

‘‘A number of those avenues that have been used, unless somebody is really to look at that and have a specific purpose, they wouldn't link on to it.’’

Cr John Douglas raised similar concerns over the low numbers and questioned whether the response was a ‘‘fair representation’’ of the community overall.

Finance development coordinator Nicole Taylor said staff had indepth discussions about making sure the information provided was consistent, and everyone had the same opportunity to read it and submit their views.

‘‘We focused on a more broad approach across the whole district, as opposed to trying to communicate with particular communities about the specifics of how that relates to them.’’

Mayor Gary Tong said he had ‘‘total confidence’’ the information had been shared efficiently with the community.

He also noted many submitters represented large communities, which meant certain submissions spoke to the views of more than one person.

Staff said numbers were reflective of previous submissions on draft revenue and financing policy and rating review reports.

Submissions on the draft showed 95% of respondents supported districtwide funding for local representation, cemeteries and litter bins, while 90% supported districtwide funding for stormwater and serviced and unserviced differentials.

A total of 75% were for local rate funding for the Stewart Island Electricity Supply Authority, 55% supported funding a portion of the costs of the Stewart Island wharves and jetties from local rates (up to 10%) and a districtwide rate (up to 30%), as well as other sources including the visitor levy (up to 20%), and fees and charges (60%70%).

Funding a portion of the costs of the Te Anau Airport Manapouri, excluding the existing loan repayments, from a districtwide rate was supported by 45% of submitters, the level of support split between up to 15% and up to 30%

A number of submitters requested a change to the rating boundaries for the Fiordland Community Board urban rating area and stormwater serviced rating area, to exclude properties in Patience Bay.

The submission results will be discussed at the full council meeting today before consideration of the Longterm Plan 2031.