Tararua District Council - March Council Briefs

Oil Prices Hit Home: As a major consumer of energy and oil for roading the council is in the grip of significantly escalating oil prices. Roading represents about 60% of all council activity. Whilst current international market forces existed the council was likely to experience “well above CPI inflation,” chief executive Roger Twentyman reported.
 

Tararua TV Expanding: Plans by Tararua TV to start broadcasting to Dannevirke and the Manawatu from early May will be another way for the council to connect to the district’s (mainly urban) residents.
 

More Rates Rebate Claims: An extra 43 rate rebate claims have been processed totalling 591 claims for the financial year so far. Average claim values are $441.76. People are reminded that they can still apply for the current year.
 

People’s Network Popular: The continuing popularity of the People’s Network is gratifying – and challenging as staff learn to deal with the influx of young after school enthusiasts who now visit the district’s libraries. New time limits and booking systems have been introduced and are working well.
 

Inter-town Fibre Connection: The FX Networks Ltd and Inspired Networks Ltd project is now underway with targeted completion dates from Palmerston North to Pahiatua, Woodville and Eketahuna by July 2008. Funding partners are now being sought.
 

Building Consent Authority: The council expects to be accredited by June 30, 2008 following a positive visit from three assessors. Several “corrective actions” are now being addressed.