Swimming Pools: A combination of a classic summer, a new custodial contract with CLM and new pool cover being used to increase water temperatures all contributed to give the swimmer a more pleasurable experience which significantly increased pool usage.
All of our 3 town’s pools had good patronage over summer with the increase in the Marty pool pleasantly surprising me. The Top 10 Holiday Park showed initiative by offering camping families free swims by paying Council directly.
It was disappointing having to close the pool whilst the summer weather continued; unfortunately the cost of extending the season was high and not budgeted. However I’m sure that I will have support around the council table to look at funding in upcoming Annual Plan to provide a better service next year.
Rubbish: (Solid waste) Since the Council has implemented the kerb side recycling bins and improved service, recycling has continued to steadily increase in volumes whilst waste to landfill has decreased. However recent detailed analysis of the waste stream indicates that there is still much room for improvement.
All the main recyclables are still appearing in both bagged and wheelie bin waste streams so we need to continue to work on those of us who are a little reticent in joining the recycling club.
The other noticeable area where inroads can be made is kitchen waste or organics this is a large percentage of the waste stream that could be dealt with by composting and with the use of worm farms. Council has looked at a collecting this but costs are relatively high to offer this service but may reduce in time. Composting can be done by various means; one cheap and efficient way is trenching and covering in the veg garden. We all need to do our bit!
Financials: A Financial & Policy Analyst Larry Mitchell publishes a “Local Government League Table” annually showing the performance of the 67 NZ Councils. The report looks at council debt, equity per ratepayer, level of liquidity (Cash), level of assets, operating deficits, depreciation funding and other pertinent issues.
The SWDC , your Council, was this year was ranked 11 (21 last yr) ahead of both Carterton 20 and Masterton ranked 39. The report is not a competition but allows the rate payer and other organisations to compare performances and the accountability of their council. Wishing an Indian summer for the grapes and rain for the farmers!
