25 June 2009

Rates set for Kapiti Coast District

This morning’s meeting of the Kapiti Coast District Council voted to strike a rate which represents a districtwide net average increase of 6.5% for the 2009/2010 year and an average districtwide increase of 6.7% over the 10 year period of the Long Term Council Community Plan.

“While this is more than we would have liked for the next year it is a great deal less than the original potential of 19% the Council was facing when we first began our deliberations on the LTCCP several months ago,” Mayor Jenny Rowan said today.

“We have a capital expenditure budget for the year of $30million and net operating costs of $42.2million. Our income for the year from rates, fees and charges is expected to be $39.5million.

“The Kapiti Coast District faces a number of challenges, the most important is the provision of additional water supply/storage capacity to meet the needs of the District for the next 50 years.

“To meet this challenge, the Council has made it a priority to look at various options including dams, storage reservoirs, the development of the existing bore field, or building a pipeline.

“However, we also need to look at how we conserve and manage the water supplies we have now and in the future. The Council has approved work within existing operating budgets to develop incentives for the installation of water conservation systems. These will be considered during the 2010/11 Annual Plan process.

“Transport is the second major issue facing the district, particularly the provision of adequate access links. The new design for the Western Link follows the contours of the land, provides for more connections within the District, and will enhance opportunities for associated cycleways, walkways and bridleways. The Western Link has been on the District’s books for nearly 30 years. We expect tenders will be let towards the end of the year for the start of the work on Stage One from Te Moana Road to Mazengarb Road.

“With strong support for the proposed Aquatic Centre, the Council voted to keep the $10 million in the budget for the Centre and to encourage the Aquatic Centre Trust to continue raising the remaining $13 million needed to provide the high quality facility proposed.

“This project deserves community support. It will inject both money and jobs into the local economy as well as build a great community asset.

“In the next year we will also renew some of the ageing reticulation in Paekakariki, build a Milne Drive to Kiwi Road water pipeline connection, carry out renewal work on the Waikanae Water Treatment Plan and start preparatory work on the site of the reservoir which will provide greater security of supply for Ōtaki.

“There is funding for stormwater upgrades and in particular a proactive approach to dealing with long standing issues in Raumati Village. Town Centre upgrades in Paraparaumu Beach and then in Ōtaki Main Street are also included in the current and future programme.

“On-going programmes for roading, footpaths, wastewater treatment, parks and recreation, community facilities including the libraries, waste management and recycling have also been included.”

Mayor Rowan said the plan aimed to balance the district’s needs for infrastructure development to meet future needs in a sustainable manner against on-going issues of affordability for the district’s residents and ratepayers.

ENDS

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