Tasman District Council adopts its Long Term Plan

June 25th, 2015
[TDC press release]

Tasman District Council has formally adopted its Long Term Plan 2, which Mayor Richard Kempthorne says presents a clear and prudent approach to building a better district for the future.

"This document has been challenging to produce," he said, "and I am immensely proud of it."

"We have made substantial changes to what the Council funds and how it is funded, and we have acted to turn our community's objectives into action. You wanted less debt and lower rate rises - we listened, and we made it happen."

The Council has committed to:

A significant reduction in the net debt forecast - now $120 million in year 10 of the Plan.
A 3% per annum (plus an allowance for growth of new ratepayers in the district) limit on increases to rates income in any one year.
Changing the Council's financial strategy, to set the external net debt limit at $200 million, limit servicing of Council debt to 15% of operating income, and changing the approach to how to fund the renewal of existing assets.
Setting aside $25million for Waimea Community Dam funding.

Mayor Kempthorne said water supply remained a significant issue.

"The Council is supporting the dam as a key part of our community's water supply needs. For the project to go ahead, this funding will need to be supplemented by funding from other major water users. If the project does not proceed, a portion of the funding will be used to identify an alternative community water supply.

"At the same time we are putting money aside to improve our stormwater services, to fund a new community facility in Golden Bay, to improve the Motueka Library, and to assist recovery from damaging natural events.

Chief executive Lindsay McKenzie said residents could be confident in the Council's overall direction.

"We have reduced costs and spending on external contracts and increased our expertise to manage projects and get the most out of our assets. At the same time we have maintained our essential services and we're planning for growth.

"Solid financials, strong partnerships and a clear strategic focus mean we are in a good place. This plan will strengthen and sustain our district well into the future," he said.

"We'd like to thank everyone who helped us prepare, discuss and decide on this plan. Councillors, the senior management team and the staff for all their work in preparing this Plan particularly given the challenging financial limits and goals set out in the Financial Strategy.

"We would also like to thank the over 500 submitters who took the time to write submissions on the Consultation Document and supporting information, many of whom presented their submissions at the hearings.

"Our job is now to implement this plan for the benefit of all residents and ratepayers."

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