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Words from the Western Bay Mayor with |
It was a tough year for many in 2023, with rising costs of living and severe weather events.
However, there’s a quiet optimism that 2024 is shaping up to be more positive as economic conditions improve and we enjoy a cracking summer.
And council has some exciting projects we will be progressing this year.
Construction will start on development of 26 elder housing units at Heron Crescent in Katikati.
The funding we’ve received from government and the contract awarded late last year means council will significantly improve our provision of housing for some of the most vulnerable in the community.
It also puts the overall portfolio on a much stronger financial footing, given the new units are fully funded from external sources.
It will be exciting to see the Te Puke Spatial Plan progress, which ultimately will guide how Te Puke grows in future.
We’ll be involving the community from the start of this planning process to ensure it is done the right way. We want to know what is important to the people who live there, what needs improving, what should stay the same and what other facilities are needed.
Construction of the roundabout for the State Highway 2/Ōmokoroa Road intersection will also be kicking up a gear.
The upgrade will help improve safety at the intersection and also unlock critical new housing potential in Ōmokoroa.
Our decision to defer adoption of the Long Term Plan until September was supported by legislation proposed by the new government, recognising the uncertainty and change local government faces.
This deferral has also allowed council to stand back and see what other councils are looking at in terms of future rate rises.
A perpetual challenge
Finding ways to cut costs but not services is a perpetual challenge for councils.
Unfortunately, it is clear almost all councils will have large rate increases this year as the effects of inflation bite and costs of essential infrastructure are factored in.
The infrastructure needed will vary by council, but most have some mix of repairing damage from severe weather, large increases in the costs of bringing roads up to scratch, adhering to higher standards for water assets and providing quality facilities for the community.
It is important to live within our means and the best way we can do this is by finding out what projects in our district matter to people the most.
This year we’ll be asking our community to join us in looking at the bigger picture, as we put together our Long Term Plan.
Priorities
We are committed to listening to what people have to say and doing the right things for the right reasons. But, again, it comes down to priorities.
We will be asking: What is at the top of people’s lists? What are they prepared to live with? And without?
There will be some big decisions to make, and the community’s input will be crucial. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
