As we wrap up warm and welcome winter, I look forward to the community coming together at Glow in the Park this long weekend.

Also wrapping up soon, is our work on the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-34.

After many months of conversation, compromise, debate and discussion we are now doing the final calculations and auditing of the ten-year budget.

Next up is adoption day on 26 June and the new plan commences on 1 July.

We heard loud and clear that residents wanted Council to make savings where they could, while investing in core services like roads and water.

That’s why we’re planning to spend $67.6 million over the next ten years on road upgrades, $33.9 million on drinking water infrastructure, and $22.6 million on wastewater.

Councils across New Zealand have all been facing a tough LTP period with the average rate rise across the country currently sitting at 15%.

Costs to build roads and water supply systems have risen by 27% over the last three years in New Zealand.

Our commitment to core infrastructure means that our other decisions might not be popular, but we need to spend very carefully at this time when people have told us they are struggling.

We’re pleased to have decided on a comprehensive green waste collection that is both what residents have been asking for and is good for the environment.

We also believe that working together with the Tinwald Reserve Board on analternative for the Tinwald Pool is the best solution for that community.

With our planned exit of stockwater we had to be brave with our decision, and a working group will tackle the key issues the community came forward with and develop a plan for the way forward.

Pushing the stadium extension out two more years to start in 2030 is a decision balanced against the difficult economic climate we are currently in. It means future councils will have a chance to re-evaluate things at the time.

We're still deciding on the future of Balmoral Hall, as there are many considerations to weigh up.

It signals our commitment to improving our community facilities and preserving history while we can, but also invests in the future of the town’s development.

Along with these projects, Council will continue to deliver the range of services it does to the community, from animal control to roading, wastewater disposal to playgrounds, liquor licensing to swimming pools.

We appreciate all those who commented on our Long Term Plan. Please be assured that while all of the decisions made may not please everyone, they were made in the best interests of the Ashburton District.