Full programme and zero rates increase

Value for money is a key theme for the Taranaki Regional Council as it finalises its Long-Term Plan for 2012-2022.

After deliberating on submissions today (Monday 7 May), the Council has:

• Budgeted for a zero rates increase in the 2012/2013 year.

• Satisfied itself that it is fully resourced to continue all its proven and successful programmes and carry out its environmental responsibilities under the Resource Management Act.

• Reaffirmed its proposal to assume ownership of Yarrow Stadium, with Councillors confident the regional community understands that making an extremely small annual payment via rates secures the future of a highly valued regional asset.

 

 

The Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says it is particularly pleasing to amend the Long-Term Plan to allow for a zero rates increase this year instead of the 3% increase originally planned.

“It’s particularly good news in the current economic climate,” he says. “This Council’s per capita rates are already the lowest in New Zealand and it’s our firm intention to keep it that way.”

He says the Council’s budgets for the next year and 10 years secure the future of its varied and successful programmes and activities. These include:

• The Citylink bus network in New Plymouth, where passenger numbers are increasing as services are enhanced.
• The Riparian Management Programme, one of New Zealand’s largest environmental enhancement programmes and one that is transforming the Taranaki landscape.
• Completion of the Lower Waiwhakaiho Flood Protection Scheme, greatly reducing the flooding risk at what has become an important retail and social amenity in New Plymouth.
• Protection and enhancement of the region’s indigenous biodiversity by identifying Key Native Ecosystems and working closely with landowners on predator control, planting and other work.
• Stewardship of three premier heritage properties – Pukeiti, Hollard Gardens and Tupare – and ensuring their maintenance and development, and enhancing their value to the regional community.

 

Mr MacLeod says a number of submissions were made on the Yarrow Stadium proposal, and Councillors considered them carefully. “We’re satisfied that the cost is fairly distributed around the region – 78% North Taranaki, 17% South Taranaki and 5% Stratford. And we’re talking about a very small amount of money -- $11 a year for Stratford and South Taranaki ratepayers. That’s not much to secure the future of a regional asset that continues to prove its immense value.”

He says it’s important to remember that the New Plymouth District Council will still fund 100% of the Stadium’s operational costs. “Rates money from the Taranaki Regional Council will go into a depreciation fund to protect the future of this regional asset.”

Mr MacLeod also says that budgets and other resources allow the Council to continue its high performance in fulfilling its environmental responsibilities.

“The reality is that we are among the best in the country in this regard. Water quality is a prime example: Overall quality in our rivers and streams is being maintained and enhanced and is generally better than in 1995. This region’s good performance has been noted by outside agencies including the Office of the Auditor-General.”

The amended Long-Term Plan will be audited before going back to the Council for formal adoption on 15 May.