Western Bay’s Long Term Plan adopted
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted its 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, settling on an average rates increase of 13.47 per cent for the 2024/25 year.
The plan focuses on striking a careful balance between delivering critical infrastructure, like clean drinking water and safe roads, and the things that make the Western Bay a place where people can enjoy healthy communities, such as libraries, swimming pools and playgrounds, says Mayor James Denyer.
“Difficult economic conditions and rising costs meant we had to make some tough decisions,” says Mayor James.
“Finding ways to cut costs without compromising services is always a challenge. Repairing damage from severe weather, upgrading roads, adhering to higher legislated standards for water assets and providing quality facilities all come at a significant cost.”
Despite this, Council remains committed to completing significant, necessary and long-awaited infrastructure projects, including the permanent replacement of the No. 4 Road bridge in Te Puke, the new library and community hub in Waihī Beach, upgrades to the Dave Hume Pool in Katikati to make it better for users and extend its life, and prioritised major stormwater upgrades in Waihī Beach, he says.
However, unavoidable cost increases in areas like providing and maintaining roading, water supply and wastewater infrastructure meant Council had to make reductions in other areas. These included cuts to the cycleway budget and halting the Town Centre Development Fund, as well as looking at operational efficiencies.
During the consultation period, Council received almost 600 submissions from individuals, organisations and businesses, which helped shape the plan and led to some changes, including increasing the roading rate differential, keeping Te Puna Station Road closed to vehicles, pushing out the proposed Community Facilities Fund and stopping the Pukehina Development Fund.
“Community feedback gave comfort to us, as decision-makers, that we were on the right track with our key proposals, but we also acknowledge the differing views expressed,” says Mayor James.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and contribute to shaping our future. As we move forward, we encourage you to stay connected with Council and continue engaging with us.
“Going forward, we remain committed to careful budgeting and planning, as we navigate shifting government policies and evolving expectations, such as reforms in water management, resource management, climate change, and the future of local government – which could have significant implications for the size and shape of Council.”
And, while the plan sets out Council’s goals for the next decade, it is not set in stone, he adds.
“We’ll be reviewing it in three years, when the economic climate could be different – and hopefully more positive.
“There is always more mahi to do, but we are confident in our commitment and capability to achieve great things through this plan.”
Now that the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 has been adopted, rates invoices will be issued mid-October.
