The Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee has approved the finalisation of the draft 2019/20 annual plan budget, in preparation for a community consultation process.

The draft documents, and a consultation document setting out the key changes proposed from the work programme and budget set out for 2019/20 in the Council's 2018-28 Long Term Plan (LTP), will be presented for adoption by the Council on Wednesday 21 March. Community feedback will then be sought through a submissions process, which closes on 29 April.

Policy Committee Chairperson Judy Turner says Council elected members noted that the proposed budget would require an average rates increase across the District of 4.16 percent, compared to the 2.88 percent signaled for the year in the LTP.

"That increase partly reflects the fact that we have a new opportunity to partner with central Government and iwi on a major economic development project to regenerate the Whakatāne waterfront and town centre," she says. "That does require an initial investment for the District, but a project of this scale offers significant benefits for the community in terms of job creation, boosting our marine economy and enhancing our status as a tourism destination."

Mrs Turner adds that we also face challenges in other areas, including increased water and sewerage operating costs and the need to repay deficits incurred in previous years. Partly offsetting those factors is a reduction in the proposed refuse removal rate.

Other significant factors which will be covered in the annual plan consultation document include:

• Funds set aside for a managed retreat from the Awatarariki debris flow hazard zone;
• The cost of earthquake strengthening the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall;
• The proposed introduction of a targeted rate for retailers on The Strand to fund a co-ordinated marketing strategy and 'Mainstreet' programme; and
• Accelerating road safety and walking and cycling projects.

Indicative rates costs for communities and sectors across the District will be outlined in the consultation document, which will be delivered to homes and businesses as an insert in the Eastern Bay Life free-delivery publication later this month. Also detailed will be a proposed change to the Council's Financial Strategy, to set a debt cap based on total revenue, rather than a fixed limit (currently $80 million).

Mrs Turner says Councillors are very much aware of the need to maintain rates affordability, but also have to look to the future and ensure that the District has a thriving economy and quality services.