Annual Plan “Steady as you go”

Whangarei District Council has adopted a “steady as you go” Annual Plan for 2016-2017.

The plan outlines Council’s work programme and income for the year beginning 1 July 2016. It's based on the second year of the 2015-25 Long Term Plan which was adopted in June last year and provided a ten-year focus for Council decision-making.

According to Mayor Sheryl Mai this year’s Annual Plan aligns closely with its charted course, with only a few minor adjustments to accommodate situations and needs not previously anticipated.

“We are taking a conservative approach with this Annual Plan. We have set and are sticking to a budget, prioritising projects, and not spending where we don’t have to. Core activities will continue to receive the funding needed to ensure our people and place get the services they rely on to keep them healthy, safe and well-functioning.

“As the costs for these activities increase each year, a rate rise is usually needed. The good news is that inflation forecasts have dropped, which means that the planned overall average increase of 4.45% has been dropped to a general rates increase of 3.9%. Our spending on capital projects is also down from $56.3 million to $53.7 million, and our operational spending and external debt have dropped as well.

“Our focus this year will be on transportation, water, solid waste and wastewater services, parks and recreation facilities, making Whangarei welcoming and nice. Highlights of this plan include the start of construction on the new Whau Valley water treatment plant and the Waiarohia Stream beautification project known as the Emerald Necklace; continued investigation and feasibility studies for a new airport and new premises for Council and further development of our cycleways, the Hatea Loop and Pohe Island.”

She said ratepayers have shown great appreciation for the work Council is doing “above ground” and that the vast bulk of spending that benefited the public happened below the ground, including water supply, waste management, storm water systems and other infrastructure that protects the environment and make Whangarei a safe and clean place to live.

“Our aim is to meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services, and the performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses, and I think this plan does that.”

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