Nelson City Council performs well over last financial year
16 October 2015

Nelson City Council has adopted its 2014/15 annual report which highlights a solid financial performance says Mayor Rachel Reese.

“We have been able to achieve the goals of our financial strategy – focusing on prudence, providing stability and good service, while at the same time planning for the future,” she says.

“External borrowing and rates levels continue to be well within the limits set by the strategy.”

The annual report highlights $1.4 billion in Council assets and a spend of $128 million each year on projects and services.

A key focus in the 2014/15 year was developing the Long Term Plan 2015-25 and Mayor Reese says the 10 Year Plan which came into effect in July 2015 creates a solid foundation for future success.

“We received nearly 600 submissions to our Long Term Plan which has helped us to set our priorities over the next ten years,’ Mayor Reese says.

Other highlights include development of the City’s core infrastructure, in particular the completion of the Maitai Pipeline duplication project; an 8km pipeline built to provide protection to the city’s drinking water supply.

“Projects like this, along with the start of the Corder Park Pump Station upgrade and several sewer upgrades, ensure we are protecting the health of our people and our environment,” Mayor Reese says.

As a unitary authority, Nelson City Council provides a much wider range of functions than most councils, she adds.

“A real highlight for me in the last financial year was finalising our biodiversity protection programme, Nelson Nature. This creates an extensive and targeted approach to protecting and enhancing our region’s beautiful natural assets.”

Showcasing Nelson to the world is another focus, says Mayor Reese.

“We successfully hosted three ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup games earlier this year, which not only showcased our city to the world but proved our sports facilities are world class. I look forward to hosting two further international Black Caps games this summer.”

Overall, Mayor Reese says a strong Council performance has been achieved this financial year.

“A sincere thanks to everyone who is working to make Nelson an even better place to live.”

ENDS

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