Community to be surveyed on government funding

A survey will open next week on whether Waipā District Council should seek its share of government funding to help pay for community improvement projects.

Government has established a $2 billion ‘Better Off‘ fund to help councils pay for projects which help build resilience to climate change or natural hazards, enable housing development and growth or support community improvements. The fund was developed alongside the proposed reform of water, wastewater and stormwater services.

But Council’s group manager service delivery Dawn Inglis said applying for funding does not signal Council supports the three waters reform programme. Council has already reiterated its strong opposition to reform proposals and in July recommended the Water Services Entities Bill be withdrawn, she said.

Last month Council resolved to take the first step towards securing the funding. But before making a final decision, Councillors directed staff to survey the community on whether or not to apply, and if so, to rank projects in order of priority. Mana whenua and iwi will also be directly consulted.

Based on specified criteria, seven potential projects have been shortlisted; the design and build of the Te Ara Wai Land Wars museum in Te Awamutu; the development of a resource recovery centre, implementing cycling/walking projects across the district; the Te Awamutu/Nga Roto/Pirongia cycle trail; a management plan for Lake Nga Roto; a feasibility study for a new Cambridge library and street lighting improvements in urban areas.

A survey on Council’s website will open on Monday 22 August and run until 5pm, Friday 2 September at www.waipadistrict.govt.nz/haveyoursay. Hard copies of the survey will be available at Council offices and libraries. Final decisions about applying for funding will be made by Council’s Service Delivery Committee on September 20.

More information about the Better Off Fund is available at www.waipadc.govt.nz/three-waters-reform.