Full media release following Long Term Plan decision’s meetings

Key decisions for the Clutha District to reduce the average rates increase to about 14% including reducing the scope of work for the Milton Main Street and Balclutha Streetscape upgrades along with trimming the capital works programme were made at the Clutha District Council Long Term Plan decisions hearing meetings held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (June 12,13 and 14).

Following a month-long consultation process that resulted in 665 submissions and three days of verbal hearings, Council has made a wide range of decisions about the 10-year plan.

Clutha District Council Mayor Bryan Cadogan said councillors had spent the past three days around the council table going line-by-line to consider over 300 lines for exclusion, deliberating decisions for its Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-34.

Mayor Cadogan said “following a comprehensive review of the capital works programme we’ve managed to make cost savings of $65.4 million, albeit under sometimes intense discussions. This has brought our initial 20% proposed average rates increase down to 14% for year one of the LTP, while still showing commitment to the overwhelming majority of requests that came through the community submission process.

“I want to thank the people who put their trust in the formal process and assisted council to undertake the appropriate steps required to do the best by the ratepayer in incredibly difficult circumstances.

“The eventual outcome while still containing challenges, reflects the commitment to our district’s vibrant future. I want to thank staff and councillors for prevailing despite unprecedented and unfounded personal attacks.”

He said it had been a challenging time with 3 waters legislative requirements being a big driver for the proposed rates increase.

“The last few days have brought to light the significant cost increase to the Greenfield Water Scheme project which highlights the need to continue to lobby Central Government.

“Many of the outcomes are controlled by Wellington and our ability to genuinely make changes, especially to 3 waters projects, has been challenged due to our inability to negotiate under the present structures that prevail.”

He said Council’s focus would now be on investigating sensible solutions and promoting more sustainable outcomes in the long term for 3 waters in the Clutha District.

Along with a reduction in the rates increase, the overall rates cap for borrowing was also reduced from 25% to 20% in the first three years, and to 10% from 2027 until 2034.

Mayor Cadogan said Council was also able to retain just over $1 million of the $2.4 million in investments that were returned this year, to buffer against future years increases.

Council staff will now update the proposed 2024-34 Long Term Plan document ready for independent audit and sign off before it is adopted at a Council meeting on July 26.

List of decisions:

Councillors made decisions based on five key Council documents that were consulted on, including the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, Living and Working, Infrastructure, Finance, and Climate Change strategies.

Greenfield Water Scheme

Additional funding of $5,435 $5.435 million was approved to complete the Greenfield Water Scheme project. This includes construction of 498km 49.8km of pipeline, three booster pump stations, a water treatment plant and three bore drillings, expected to be completed by the end of the year. The new scheme will provide a better and more reliable water source for consumers on the Balmoral 1and 2, Tuapeka East and West rural water schemes, and the Waitahuna and Lawrence townships. Given the project was over 80% complete, Councillors felt there was no other option but to finish the project. However, they did acknowledge that the cost of a water rate for those consumers after years, four of the LTP was significant, and would be lobbying Central Government for support. The need for additional funding was due to increased costs of materials, labour, treatment plant equipment, inflation, and overall cost increases.

Milton Main Street upgrades

Milton Main Street upgrades will continue but the scope of work has been pared back. In the previous LTP (2021-31) a budget of $5 million was approved for main street upgrades and work completed to date includes the replacement of stormwater and wastewater pipes. There was a budget of $2.05 million left and councillors decided to allow up to $2.25 million be spent on this project. This budget will allow for stage two to be completed, including the undergrounding of power lines, installation of streetlights, reinstatement of footpaths, and kerbs at the pedestrian crossings, and completion of the Gray Street Plaza (inclusive of the carpark at the destination toilets) but not the original landscaping and street enhancement plans. Further investment to complete the original upgrade would require Council to go back and consult with the community. Councillors felt it was important to finish the work, albeit at a reduced scope and budget ,rather than be set back by further delays due to consultation.

Balclutha Streetscape stages 2 and 3

Council approved an overall budget of $594,000 towards sealing the public carpark beside Countdown and Te Pou Ō Mata-Au the Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre (TPŌMA) carpark. Sealing the gravel area near the old Centennial Hall has been a priority since the streetscape project began about 15 years ago. However, it was deferred until the future of the hall and any upgrades in that area were confirmed. Councillors decided on a chip seal option (like the Cross Recreation Centre) rather than a full asphalt seal. There is also a contribution of $200,000 from a nearby development towards the sealing of the carpark.

A budget of $143,000 has been allocated to concrete the Balclutha Destination Toilet area with some seating, above-ground planters and signage. $740,000 was required to complete the Rough & Milne Landscape Architects ferry theme concept that Council had previously approved, but Councillors felt that it was more appropriate to reduce the scope of work and consider further landscaping in the future.

Milton Swimming Pool and Community Library

The updated project budget for the pool and library in Milton has come in at around $20 million. Given that it is considerably more than the current approved budget of $17.6 million and due to the level of significance, Council has no choice but to go back and consult again with the community as a Special Consultative Process as per its Significance and Engagement Policy. However, Council has also decided to keep the existing $17.6 million budget in the 2024-34 LTP, until a decision is made from the consultation.

Balclutha Community Library

A number of submitters to the LTP suggested the Balclutha Community Library could be transferred to the Te Pou Ō Mata-Au Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre (TPŌMA). Given the age and state of the current building, Councillors decided to set up a steering group to investigate all future options for the Balclutha library, including working with the owners of TPŌMA, to see whether it was feasible to operate the library in TPŌMA.

Kākā Point toilets

Council approved a budget of $440,000 and will work with the Kākā Point Community Group to replace the current public toilet and develop a new toilet and changing room facility on the existing site. During consultation Council sought public feedback on options from maintaining the existing toilets and changing facilities through to providing funding towards incorporating new toilets and changing rooms within the Kākā Point Surf Lifesaving new clubroom facility, which is planned for construction in 2025. Council has instead opted to keep the facilities separate but did also approve funding of $310,000 towards the new clubrooms from Council’s investment funds surplus.

West Otago Vintage Museum

$200,000 from Council’s investment funds surplus has been allocated to the West Otago Vintage Museum to support a new $870,000 purpose-built storage facility to house its vast collection vintage farm machinery, including some of the rarest tractors in the world in working condition. The club believes this will support West Otago as a tourism destination and demonstrate the important history of agriculture and forestry’s evolution of the area.

West Otago Community Centre

Council has brought forward $60,000 to investigate the option of working with the West Otago Community Centre (WOCC) committee to consider the option to move the Tapanui Community Library into the WOCC building. WOCC is currently undergoing stage 3 of its upgrade project which focuses on the replacement of the 730 m² roof structure, internal refurbishments and installation of a type 4 fire detection and alarm service. This is to ensure it is fully waterproof, strengthened, compliant and in a good condition to serve the West Otago community well into the future. However, the Tapanui library building will require significant remedial work in the next 10 years including a roof replacement and work to ensure it is fully accessible, as currently the building lacks adequate space and there are issues around earthquake readiness.

Destination Tourism

$195,000 from Council’s investment funds surplus has been allocated to Clutha Development for Destination Management Tourism activities, including deliverables like increased guest nights, increased tourism expenditure across the Clutha District, increased Qualmark tourism operators, development of iconic projects and attraction of cofounding opportunities, website updates and core tourism surveys.

Future operational and funding reviews

• Council will undertake a district-wide review of how community pools and museums are funded, to address future development and financial needs and ensure there is fairness across the district.
• The LTP consultation included a review of Council’s community housing with the results of submitters strongly in favour of it to be self-funded (rates neutral) but the vulnerable should be considered first. Council acknowledged this feedback and would ensure this was implemented with the inclusion of having a community services card as an additional form of means testing.
• Council will investigate the potential extension of kerbside collection services throughout the district and how the operations of Mt Cooee landfill could be impacted.

Budget approvals

• Managing risk and providing for community resilience in relation to climate change was acknowledged as a key responsibility for Council and it was decided to include an additional LTP budget of $40,000 for each year of the LTP for climate change projects. This includes addressing coastal and flood defences, emissions monitoring (landfills) and Land Use the build environment and infrastructure.
• Investment in new technologies was approved to respond to the changing needs of the organisation and that of the communities for today and for the future. These systems include a data and integration platform, electronic invoicing, an electronic HR platform and online building consents. These systems would address the risk to Council of non-compliance and improve overall efficiencies.

Community boards and committee requests’ decisions

Lawrence Tuapeka Community Board

• Council will investigate the formation of a rate and its impact for a Lawrence Developments organisation and how it could be funded, to help manage major new developments in the area like Gabriel’s Gully Destination Plan.
• Further footpath and kerb and channel work in Colonsay Street area is planned once the stormwater work is complete.
• A budget of $25,000 has been approved from cemetery reserves to enable the Chinese Remembrance Memorial and maintenance works.
• Council will review the isite funding as part of the next review of the Revenue and Financing Policy.
• Council has approved $60,000 to support improvements to the Zig Zag track and visual enhancement.

Kaitangata and District Promotions Inc.

• Council will trial an “Otta seal technique” in two sections of Water Street in Kaitangata to address dust concerns.

Clinton Community Committee

• Council will engage with the committee and further refine work programmes regarding kerb and channelling, better footpath access, identified roading issues, green waste disposal and security cameras (including funding options for consideration) for the next annual plan.

Milton Area Promotions

• Provision for a dog park is included in the Greater Taylor Park Reserve Management Plan and Council would welcome the opportunity to work with the group to continue to develop this project with local support.

Our Place community plan requests

Taieri Mouth

The Our Place Taieri Mouth Community Plan will be formally signed off on 20 June. As with all the previous community plans developed throughout the district, a budget of funding is set aside to support the projects identified in the plan should the community wish to proceed with them. A budget of $65,000 from the investment funds surplus has been allocated to improve the maintenance of existing community facilities and reserve, enhance existing community facilities and reserves, new recreational facilities and walking and cycling opportunities around Taieri Mouth.

Balclutha

Centennial Park Carpark – Council will carry forward existing funding of $24,000 for carpark construction at the South Otago Athletics Club to the 2024-25 year.

Centennial Park Playground Stage 2 – $300,000 has been allocated from investment surplus funds towards the second stage of the destination playground. The group intends to apply for external funding applications and fundraise, as the projected cost is around $1 million.

Catlins

Kākā Point Esplanade Playground – Previous budgets of $50,000 and $42,400 have been carried forward for this project. The Kākā Point Community Group has also raised about $38,000 for this project and the group intends to commence construction in the 2024-25 year. Work may be undertaken in stages.

Kākā Point Tarata Street Playground - $20,000 has been carried forward for improvements.

Pounawea Playground - $20,000 has been carried forward for improvements.

Papatowai Picnic Area - $20,000 has been carried forward and the community is developing plans for this area.

Owaka to Pounawea Cycle Trail - $15,000 has been allocated for the first three years of the 2024-34 LTP to support Owaka Going Forward’s project to complete the track from the Hina Hina Bridge and Pounawea and to progress stage 2 from the bridge towards Owaka.

Milton

Parks and Reserves - $176,000 has been carried forward. Other projects are progressing from improving drainage at Moore Park and additional Taylor Park fence repairs.

Dog Park – Council approved funding of $30,000, previously allocated to improve Milton reserves, for the development of a dog park at Taylor Park.

Lawrence

Entrance to Gabriels Gully – $50,000 has been carried forward for design plans and improvements at the entrance including improvements to reserve, carpark and/or toilet.

Mountain Bike Trail Network – Council approved $40,000 of funding towards the development of the Lawrence trail network. The Lawrence Bike Club have made good progress on this project over the last two years with the club raising over $100,000 and has a goal to raise another $105,000. The club would like to use the Council funding to enable them to complete a trail from Wetherstons Creek Reserve through to Gabriels Gully.

West Otago

Community Plan projects – $189,054 has been carried forward for community plan projects. In the 2022/23 Annual Plan $220,000 was allocated and of that $29,096 has been allocated for upgrades to the Bushyhill Street Playground, the Heriot Tennis Court and improvements and to Whiskey Gully.

Clinton

Residential Development - $14,087 has been carried forward for residential development projects.

Community Facilities – Council approved $20,000 from its investment fund surplus and carried forward $9,329 for improvements to the Triangle Reserve Playground, Tennis Court Reserve and Truck Park. These are being led by the Clinton Community Group and Clinton Lions. The community will contribute almost $90,000 toward these three projects.

Walking and Cycling - $10,000 has been carried forward for investigations into trail options.

Clutha Valley

Community Facilities and Reserve Improvements - $50,000 has been carried forward to develop a scope of work and implementation plan for the Tuapeka Mouth Domain, including the relocation of a Council-owned toilet block.

Tuapeka Mouth Punt - $10,000 has been carried forward for work to develop the punt.

Promote Heritage - $10,000 has been carried forward for work to protect and enhance heritage values in the Clutha Valley.

Walking and Cycling - $10,000 has been carried forward for work to develop the bike trails.

Community Funding requests

Council allocated the following funds and support for community groups and projects:

• New toilet at the Henley Boat Ramp - $30,000
• Lawrence Chinese Charitable Trust restoration project – building consent fees waived via Council’s Fees Reimbursement Scheme.
• Southern Youth Development’s bike refurbishment programme - $11,100
• Simpson Park Sporting Complex replacement of bench seating - $2,088.50
• Catlins Historical Society for information services - $22,030 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Catlins Coast Inc – development of Care Code and tear off map - $1,650 & $3,300 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust operation grant - $80,000
• Clutha District Combined Museums operation grant - $58,994 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Clutha District Emergency Services Trust – $2,500 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Clutha Foundation - $10,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Clutha Super Masters Games - $700 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Clutha Recreation Centre Inc - $54,944 (2024/25 and then inflation adjusted for 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Gore and Clutha Whanau Refuge Police Safety Order house - $35,000
• Life Education Trust - $6,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Milton Information Centre for information services - $13,108.84 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Southern Youth Development youth programme - $38,580 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Sport Otago operation grant - $49,247 (2024/25 and then inflation adjusted for 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifeguard services - $30,000
• South Otago Historical Society Museum curator funding - $35,000
• Tuapeka Goldfields Museum Society Inc for information services - $65,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27) & $19,000 curator salary (one year)
• Waikoikoi Hall Board grant increase due to costs - $2,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Owaka Swimming Baths Inc operation grant - $12,530
• Tuapeka Aquatic Centre operation grant - $16,250
• Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund subsidise top up travel for young people - $15,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)
• Youth Development Fund - $4,000 (2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27)

Fees and charges

Fees and charges for the 2024-25 year were approved. Wheelie bin charges and Mt Cooee landfill fees have been increased to cover increased operating costs, which is a result of a new contract extension and an increase in the Ministry for the Environment waste levy fee. These include:

• Landfill charges at Mount Cooee increased to $68 per tonne
• Other waste charges increased by approximately 27%
• Wheelie bin rate increased to $339

For more information on helpful tips to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill visit www.cluthadc.govt.nz/reduce-waste