Whakatane District Council adopts 2008/09 Annual Plan

Extra spending to improve the district’s water supply; to investigate options to address water salinity issues in Whakatane and reviewed the funding formula for disaster mitigation projects are among key initiatives in Whakatane District Council’s newly-adopted Annual Plan for the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.

Whakatane District Mayor Colin Holmes says the Annual Plan sets the scene for the development of the next Ten-year Plan (LTCCP) next year and the Town Vision. It is also recognises work already underway to develop the District’s Growth Strategy. The strategy is intended to provide a clear vision and strategic direction for sustainably managing the district’s growth prospects up to 50 years into the future.

After hearing submissions in May, the plan approved by the Council incorporates a number of changes including revision of the Disaster Mitigation Funding Policy.

Councillors allocated $2 million for 12 projects to improve and secure water supplies for the various communities in the district. In addition the Council ordered an investigation into options to address salinity issues with the Whakatane water supply. This work will include looking at other options for water intake and investigating other water sources (other than the Whakatane River).

Councillors also agreed to change the funding formula for the Disaster Mitigation Funding Policy following consideration of written and verbal submissions as part of the Annual Plan consultation process. These changes will spread the capital costs of funding disaster mitigation projects over the community where the works are to take place and the District. Costs to the community will be to a maximum of 50% (with no cap) per rating unit and the remaining 50% of costs will be by all ratepayers in the District by way of a Uniform Annual Charge of $16.22 per property.

The Annual Grants were allocated $50,000 to fund community organisations, while work to review the Council’s community funding policies continues. The review will ensure that funding assistance is provided in a transparent, equitable and consistent way.

Meanwhile, Mr Holmes says rates will increase by an average 8.9% for the 2008/09 financial year and that this is much lower than the forecast of 14.14% increase in the Ten-year Plan.

“This increase is a good result and follows a lot of work by Councillor’s and staff to contain expenditure and strikes a balance between maintaining and improving services and affordability.”

Overall, the Council proposes to collect almost $27.623 million (excluding GST) in total rates revenue across almost 16,000 properties. Subsidies and fees and charges will account for $22,069 million of the Council’s expected $49,692 million (excluding GST) income for the 12 months starting from 1 July 2008.

Mr Holmes says the Council will continue to look at ways it can improve efficiencies and to work with other councils’ in the region through BOPLASS to receive benefits from joint sourcing and procurement of services.

“We want to ensure the Council delivers the best possible service to the district as a whole and help achieve Whakatane District’s true potential.”