Tuesday 23 June 2015

Council to proceed with Wainui wastewater scheme in three years' time

Christchurch City Council today decided to proceed with the final stage of the Wainui wastewater upgrade scheme in 2018, but will explore other options to bring the implementation date forward.

Councillors voted for the scheme to go ahead in the financial year beginning 1 July 2018, although were keen to explore the possibility of a cost-share agreement or a targeted rate so work can begin sooner.

Banks Peninsula Councillor Andrew Turner says deferring the second stage of the scheme for three years was a difficult decision for the Council, which was balancing the needs of the community with growing financial pressures due to the earthquakes.

"While we acknowledge this is not the outcome the Wainui community were hoping for, solutions like cost sharing and targeted rates need to be explored further to help the Council meet all of the financial demands being put on it.”

Community consultation was carried out in March 2015 on three proposed options for the next stage of the project. They were:

· A cost-share proposal between the Council and property owners to deliver the project.

· Deferring delivery of the scheme, for inclusion in the 2018-28 Long Term Plan.

· Proceeding as planned (financial year beginning 1 July 2015).

Stage one of the Wainui wastewater upgrade was completed in May 2013, removing the treated wastewater being discharged into the Akaroa Harbour. The second stage of the scheme, which is the subject of this consultation, is to provide individual properties with a reticulated wastewater system and new treatment plant that will discharge to land.

– ends –

© Scoop Media