Well another triennium is almost over and it’s the dreaded elections again! I would like to perhaps reflect on the highlights and a disappointment.
To discuss the negative first, if there is a function of Council that people find frustrating it would have to be seal extensions! The dust nuisance for people with houses close to unsealed roads can be horrendous during the summer months. I sympathise and apologise but unfortunately the solution isn’t straight forward due to NZ Transport Agencies rules and funding. I am not making excuses as we still need to work together, the public need to continue to put submissions to council and Council needs to look for solutions to get satisfactory outcomes.
There have been many positives; Council works hard to maintain affordability of rates whilst maintaining good customer service levels a tricky business.
Both water and solid waste (rubbish) services have seen good improvements. Water metering has been a success by reducing demand, identifying leaks and better overall efficiencies allowing council to broaden the water policy. Solid waste continues to improve with less rubbish to landfill and increased recycling; further gains can still be got with cooperation of our communities.
Waste water (sewerage) is the biggy going forward; our management team have been working tirelessly to get good outcomes that will be affordable. Discharge to land is appearing to be the best and perhaps only option. This requires purchasing land and increasing storage with capital expenditure of around 17 million being projected over the next 30 years. The good news is that at this stage of the waste water development, upgrades and resource consents, things are shaping up to be better than first projected, although early days Council management’s optimism is encouraging.
Councils financials are in a very good position going forward, SWDC is currently the least indebted of any council in the Wellington region and our rates per rateable property one of the lowest. This is not reason for complacency Council’s management team and staff work hard to maintain an efficient operation.
The amalgamation of the region is in the hands of the Local Government Commission and I can’t see any change in the next couple of years and in the end a poll in which you all may participate could decide! If you want more info, www.lgc.govt.nz . While I undisputedly agree we need Wellington, we don’t need Wellintonians making our decisions for us!
I would like to thank Heather Gibbs and Jo Guscott who are not seeking re-election for their valued contribution to Martinborough Community and district; Heather whose service extends many years has been a major contributor into both Considine and The Square developments.
It is fantastic that two very capable and young women; Vicky Read and Lisa Cornelissen have put their names forward for the Community Board.
On a closing note, many thanks to Porky Sexton who is retiring from Council after many years, anything about work and services, rural fire and infrastructural matters he had a good understanding; his local knowledge will be missed at the Council Table.
Cr Max Stevens.
