Rates rise confirmed

24 June 2014

Waipa District Council has confirmed a total 2.9 per cent rate increase for next year.

The increased was confirmed at the council meeting today following the formal adoption of the 2014-2015 Annual Plan. The rates rise is less than the 4.7 per cent predicted in the 10-year plan.

The annual plan allows $2.1 million for the construction of a permanent roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Shakespeare Street in Cambridge. Should the work go ahead it is likely to attract a substantial subsidy from the New Zealand Transport Agency, meaning Waipa ratepayers would pick up only a portion of the total cost.

However at the meeting, chief executive Garry Dyet said he thought it unlikely that the council would get approval from NZTA to build a $2.1 million roundabout and would be asked to consider a cheaper option.

"And for a cheaper option to go ahead, we would need traffic speeds, particularly for trucks, to slow right down."

A decision on whether or not any roundabout will proceed, and if so what type, is unlikely to be made by until next month.

Ends

Media enquiries only call Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 5077 599