TRC leaves rates unchanged

19 May 2015

The Taranaki Regional Council today adopted its Long-Term Plan 2015/2025, with essentially no change to rates in the coming financial year while work programmes are maintained or enhanced.

The 2015/2016 year will see a decrease of $30,414, or a little over a third of 1%, in the Council’s total rates take (the combination of general rates, targeted rates and uniform annual charge), and an increase of just under 1% in the general rates take. In subsequent years, general rate increases below the rate of inflation are planned.

“This Long-Term Plan is firmly focused on resources, environment and people, which are at the core of our work,” says the Council Chairman, David MacLeod. “And it’s pleasing to be able to maintain our status as one of the lowest-rating Councils in New Zealand while still maintaining a high standard of programmes and services.“

He says a busy programme of work is planned in the coming year and beyond as the Council seeks to build on previous achievements and successes. This includes:

Completing the current reviews of the Regional Fresh Water Plan and Soil Plan, where the Council is proposing changes that its confident will further improve the quality of the region’s waterways.

Continuing the partnership with farmers to fence and plant streambanks on the ring plain and coastal terraces. This includes organising the supply of around 600,000 native plants annually to those taking part in the Riparian Management Programme.

Completing the Lower Waitara Flood Protection Scheme upgrade to give the Waitara community the level of flood protection it deserves.
Continuing the successful sustainable land management programmes, particularly in the eastern hillcountry.

Continuing the exciting upgrade at Pukeiti and ensuring that this iconic property, as well as Tupare and Hollard Gardens, are maintained as regionally significant heritage and amenity properties.

Continuing to efficiently process resource consent applications within statutory timeframes, and continuing to comprehensively monitor and report on the performance of consent holders.

“The Council is committed to its core mission, which is working with people and caring for Taranaki,” says Mr MacLeod.

ends

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