Media Release
Thursday 29 March

Draft Long Term Plan approved

The Council on Wednesday 28th March adopted its draft Long Term Plan (1 July 2012 to 30 June 2022) which sets out what it is proposing to do over the next 10 years to ensure Selwyn District continues to be a great place to live, work and play.

Mayor Kelvin Coe pointed out that most of the activities and projects outlined in the plan are a continuation of the programmes the Council has started over recent years to manage population growth in the district, in a way that benefits both new and existing residents.

“The plan includes programmes to improve a range of community facilities such as recreation facilities and the new aquatic centre. It also includes plans to improve our road network so that it is safer and better able to cope with increased traffic volumes, as well as offering limited new cycle links,” commented Mayor Coe.

The Plan proposes an average rate increase of 1.4% for the 2012/13 year and an average of 4.2% over the next 10 years. (This is an average based on the number of ratepayers paying the Uniform Annual General Charge and includes both targeted and general rate increases.)

Key points in the plan :
• Focus on the post-earthquake rebuild and new build of residential and commercial properties
• Managing growth to reap the benefits while minimising any negative aspects
• Progressing the Future for Selwyn project initiated to help shape the District’s future economically, environmentally, socially and culturally
• The purchase of McHugh’s Plantation in Darfield
• The building of a new facility on Dunsandel Domain to complement other sports and recreation activities already located on this site
• A potential large scale park in Rolleston
• Putting a new Rolleston library on hold due to rising building costs
• Improvements to key roads and intersections and play our part in supporting sustainable transport options by enhancing and promoting walking, cycling and public transport options
• The Council is considering making a loan of $5 million to Central Plains Water (CPW) to help it progress with stage 1 of the scheme, once consent is granted
• Construction of the Eastern Selwyn Sewerage Scheme (capital cost of the scheme to be funded by land developers) - risk that if development does not proceed as expected, ratepayers connected to the scheme may need to help fund some of the cost
• District promotion to attract and support businesses, residents and tourists
• A new targeted rate to fund stormwater services from 1 July 2012

Policy changes

The Council is proposing changes to the following policies:
• Liability management (borrowing) policy
• Investment policy
• Revenue and financing policy
• Development contributions policy

From Thursday, 5 April, copies of the draft Long Term Plan will be available to view at the Council offices in Rolleston, Selwyn library/service centres or at www.selwyn.govt.nz. Ratepayers will also receive a letter in the final instalment of their 2011/12 rates which explains rate increases which affect them.

ENDS

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