Sweeping changes on way with LTP sign-off
Taranaki Regional Council is to spend $100,000 towards a Covid-19 recovery plan, and restore $235,000 funding to a group helping Taranaki become predator-free.
The money was announced with the signing off of the council’s 2021-2031 long-term plan yesterday, making the TRC the first council to adopt an audited long-term plan in the country.
Chairman David MacLeod said council had ‘‘both eyes firmly on a future of far-reaching changes’’.
A priority was preparing to implement the Government’s Essential Freshwater package, he said in a statement.
The package, announced in September 2019, aims to improve freshwater quality in a generation, with regional councils enforcing new rules around land use, urban discharges, winter grazing and stock access to waterways.
‘‘Implementing the Essential Freshwater package’s new standards, requirements and regulations will be one of the largest projects the council has ever undertaken.
‘‘All councils will face multiple changes as the Resource Management Act is replaced, as the ‘Three Waters’ reforms roll out and as decisions are made on New Zealand’s pathway to zero emissions.’’
Extra environmental spending will amount to just under $3 million over three years from 2021/2022.
The regional biodiversity umbrella group Wild for Taranaki will receive annual funding of $235,000, money it had received before the Covid-19 pandemic.
TRC will also investigate alternative fuel options for the New Plymouth Citylink bus fleet and trial extra services.
The regional council will also begin a $6m refurbishment of the council offices in Stratford over the next two years, funded with a loan repaid from rates.
Annual regional rates will increase in 2021/2022 by less than $30 for the average householder, and by around $60 for a farm worth $2m, with smaller increases budgeted in subsequent years.
Rates for many commercial and industrial ratepayers will reduce slightly in 2021/2022.
Targeted rates to pay for the $50m cost of rebuilding the earthquake-prone Yarrow Stadium have been reduced by 45 per cent, or $1.76m, as a result of lower interest rates and Government funding of $20m.
The total rate take, both general and targeted, will increase 9.9 per cent, $1.38m, the council said.
Residential ratepayers owning property worth $500,000 will pay $25 to $29 more in total rates.
The general rate for 2021/2022 will increase by $2.98m.
The uniform annual general charge will be $44.50.
General rates will increase 5.5 per cent in Year 2 of the plan, five per cent in Year 3-7, and 3 per cent in Years 8-10.
River control and flood protection targeted rates will increase by $1200, and targeted rates for passenger transport services will increase by $158,319.