A word from the Mayor
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the regular zone forum with Mayors and Chief Executives from across the South Island inclusive of the Chatham Island.
National Council President Mayor Sam Broughton from Selwyn District Council reported that up and down the country councils are being faced with increasing costs which is placing enormous pressure on councils and their communities. Some of the interesting facts presented are that Bridges are 38% more expensive to build, Roads and Infrastructure are 27% more expensive to build and maintain, and Sewerage systems are 30% more expensive to build compared to just 3 years ago.
Most councils are at a point where, sweating their assets or underinvesting in new assets will impact on services and councils that have taken on debt to fund large infrastructure investments are now paying huge interest costs. With additional council responsibilities mandated through central government and a much stronger regulatory framework coupled with reduced funding levers this is making some situations more difficult to manage.
Putting that into a Hurunui context we have 282 bridges that were mostly built in the 1950’s which will be up for replacement in the foreseeable future, 622km of sealed roads, 827km of unsealed roads and 2214km of drinking water pipes and 7 wastewater treatment plants. Our LTP is focussing on some of these issues, and now we welcome your participation and provide some feedback to your elected members.
Over the years we have looked for innovative ways to encourage your engagement with a journey on the Weka Pass railway, a quiz evening, drop-in sessions and public presentations. This year to launch our consultation time we are inviting you to come along to the Amberley Domain, 6.30pm on Thursday 4th April there will be a brief overview of the LTP prior to a free sitting of the movie “Pecking Order” so bring along your neighbours and friends, your picnic tea and sit back and relax if the weather doesn’t co-operate (although a bit of rain would be very welcome) we will be in the Tin Shed. Public sessions will be held in Cheviot and Hanmer Springs and you are welcome to call your local councillor or myself to attend your community group when we can outline the draft LTP and the process for you to feedback, we need to work collectively to achieve the plan and help shape our future together.