Last week (30 May), Whakatāne District Council's Infrastructure and Planning Committee approved the Three Waters Consent Replacement Strategy, which outlines the Council’s approach to renewing resource consents for drinking water and wastewater.
The Council is already underway with a plan for stormwater management and has lodged a comprehensive consent that will cover stormwater discharges in the Whakatāne township catchment. Similar consents for other schemes will start gradually over the next five to 10 years.
The Three Waters Consent Replacement Strategy aims to ensure the Council meets its regulatory obligations, environmental responsibilities, and community expectations for the three waters services while delivering this large work programme as efficiently as possible.
The Council has allocated $3.5 million in the draft Long Term Plan 2024-34 for the consent renewal program, with the planning, consenting and design aspects expected to take three to five years to complete.
Manager of Three Waters, Glenn Cooper, said a dedicated project team will be formed to execute the program.
“The project team will report to a project steering group, which will provide strategic guidance and direction.”
Mr Cooper emphasised the complexity of the work due to increased regulations around freshwater management over the last decade.
“There are significant requirements in reconsenting,” he said. “However, we are not alone; planning for and provisioning three waters infrastructure is a major challenge across New Zealand.”
Mr Cooper also highlighted the financial implications saying, “We know the future costs of water services are massive and increasing. How we manage these costs will significantly impact future rates.”
“Additionally, there will be higher ongoing operational costs due to the more advanced infrastructure required,” he added.
“Nevertheless, our goal is clear: to provide high-quality drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services, protect our environment, and fulfil our regulatory obligations.”
“Council is committed to working collaboratively with its partners and the community to achieve the best outcomes for the district's water resources and public health,” he concluded.