Looking to the future
Last week we adopted our consultation document for the longterm plan 2018-28.
The LTP is incredibly important for all ratepayers and residents. It outlines the council’s plans and key proposals, many of which will affect your rates, for the next 10 years.
This is your one-inthree-year chance to influence council’s direction and priorities, so I encourage you all to have a say. But first you need to look through the consultation document.
This has been in development for the past year, including 20 workshops to help the representatives you elected to council to review and discuss the key issues. We looked at the council’s strategic direction, community outcomes, our current work programme, challenges we will face over the next decade, and the new work priorities we need to meet those challenges.
We have achieved a lot since our last LTP was adopted in 2015. Construction of a new sewerage scheme for Kerikeri is now well under way after years of planning. We have started work on Te Hiku Sports Hub, a world-class sports facility for Kaitaia. We have completed the longawaited Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and repaired and strengthened roads damaged by one of the biggest storms to hit the district in decades. At the same time, we’ve been addressing historic infrastructure gaps across the district, such as dusty roads and how we manage our information and assets.
Keeping assets in good condition, while also keeping services affordable, is always a challenge. The consultation document explains our plan to achieve this. How we intend to upgrade Kaitaia’s wastewater system and provide Te Kao with safe drinking water. How we will cater for growth (where it is occurring), meet community needs and expectations, and be open to opportunities that deliver economic and social prosperity. This requires a focus on maintaining, and getting the most out of, existing services and infrastructure, while keeping debt and rates as low as possible.
We will use government subsidies and other funding to develop new infrastructure that delivers the economic and social prosperity our communities deserve. That includes a bold proposal to create a network of cycle trails so that more communities can enjoy the benefits Pou Herenga Tai — Twin Coast Cycle Trail is already delivering. Funding this will require significant investment, so we need to know if you support the idea.
Similarly, we want to hear your views on whether we should fund a new community and civic hub to revitalise Kaikohe, and how much money is made available for community infrastructure and projects to create our great places.
This LTP affects all ratepayers and most communities across the district, and I want to know what you think of it. Please look through the consultation document. You can find it online at www.fndc.govt.nz/ltp2018 or at any council service centre.
"Keeping assets in good condition, while also keeping services affordable, is always a challenge. The consultation document explains our plan to achieve this."