Six spending proposals under spotlight
12 March 2018
Waipa District Council will kick off formal consultation on six major proposals this week when draft budgets for the next decade are revealed.
The Council's draft 10-Year Plan details how $1.26 billion over 10 years may be spent. Just over half of that - $773 million - will be funded by rates. While the Council's total budget is all "up for discussion" Mayor Jim Mylchreest said elected members are specifically seeking community feedback on six key issues.
"Some of our biggest projects, signaled in the last 10-Year Plan are already well underway. Things like the Cambridge pool and Hanlin Road intersection are underway along with some major infrastructure projects to cope with Cambridge growth," he said.
"This 10-Year Plan aims to highlight some proposed new areas of investment before spending priorities for the next decade are finalised."
A "plain English" consultation document will be online at futurewaipa.co.nz from 15 March with hard copies available for those who prefer a paper copy. The document seeks specific feedback on:
- a proposed $4 million upgrade of the Te Awamutu town centre
- an extra $3.6 million budgeted over 10 years to enhance Waipā's heritage sites
- a proposal to ring-fence $7.2 million for a Te Awamutu-based Waipā Discovery Centre (a further $5.2m will be externally funded)
- a $4.4 million investment to preserve and enhance the Cambridge Town Hall
- changes to the development contribution policy so ratepayers aren't covering interest on loans
- a potential $500,000 grant towards a new sport and recreation centre at Ōhaupō.
The first of around 20 community events or meetings to discuss the proposals and ask questions kicks off on 15 March. Councillors, who make the final decision on what is and isn't funded, will be at many of the meetings or events along with senior council staff. All events will be advertised in local newspapers and online.
Feedback on Waipā's draft 10-Year Plan closes on Friday 20 April. Councillors will adjust budgets and sign off on a final plan in June 2018.