Budget increase for Kihikihi makeover
31 October 2012
A $300,000 budget increase has been approved by Waipa District Council to ensure a quality upgrade for the Kihikihi township in the 2012/13 year.
The extra funding will boost the amount allocated to implement the Kihikihi Town Concept Plan to $1,035,000.
In a report to the council, Road Corridor Manager Dawn Inglis said the project would enhance the streetscape in the town in time for the 150 year commemoration of the attack on Orakau Pa in 2014, which was likely to be an event of international significance.
While $735,000 had been allocated for the project in the council's 10-Year for the 2012/13 year, it fell short of the amount needed to address the steering group's priority areas, she said.
Without an increase in the budget, there is the risk that the project will not achieve the objectives and will not deliver a long lasting streetscape that the council and community can be proud of.
Of the $300,000 required, $200,000 could be funded by deferring planned footpath renewals in Kihikihi.
The remaining $100,000 would be loan funded and serviced by rates revenue from the 2013/14 year onwards. This would equate to an increase of an additional 0.02 percent.
While some councillors were concerned about adding an additional $100,000 to rates revenue, they supported the project.
Mayor Alan Livingston said council staff had worked with the community to achieve a very good outcome.
While he appreciated the need for the council to be cost conscious, the Kihikihi community had invested a lot of time and effort in beautifying the village and the partnership aspect needed to be considered, he said.
While we may be saving money at the front end, in five years time we may be faced with greater costs if the quality of the development is compromised, he said.
This is a project the community have taken ownership of and they should be supported in that.
The concept plan includes:
New footpath paving between Galloway Street and
Whitmore Street
New gateways to the town
New street lighting
Relocation of a pedestrian crossing and
New kerbing and street trees
ENDS
For further information contact
Lisa Nairne
Senior Communications Advisor
Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760
Email: lisa.nairne@waipadc.govt.nz