23 December 2011

Proposed Whaanga Coast Wastewater Project on Track

Collaboration between the council and Whaanga Coast residents has resulted in positive progress for the proposed $2.2 million wastewater reticulation scheme.

General manager water and facilities Richard Bax said overall, residents support the project.

“During consultation they identified cost as a major issue to be addressed. Following considerable discussions with a representative consultation group, the council has decided on a funding split of 60:40 between residents and the council,” he said.

In effect, this will mean residents will pay only the cost of their on-site works (tank, pump and on-site reticulation). The council’s 40 per cent share will be funded out of the general rate district-wide, Mr Bax said.

A total of 110 properties will be connected to the scheme, with provision made for a total of another 60 properties to be connected in the future. The council will meet this cost and recover it from the developers as those new connections are made.

This funding solution will mean a cost of $15,300 (including GST) for each property.

“We have worked hard to find a solution that addresses property owners’ concerns while still solving the basic wastewater discharge problems the project is designed to address,” Mr Bax said.

Another issue identified during consultation was where new systems have been recently installed on some properties. Those owners will not be required to connect to the system if they can provide specialist evidence their septic system is working efficiently. However, in the future if the on-site system ceases to operate effectively, the property owner will not qualify for a subsidised connection to the main system.

All affected property owners have been advised of the council’s decision, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the funding solution and any other questions at a public meeting in January.

“We encourage all those property owners included in this proposed scheme to come along and find out more about the process from here,” Mr Bax said.

ENDS

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