Annual Plan 2016/17 deliberations complete

13 May 2016

Nelson City Council has deliberated on its draft Annual Plan for the 2016/17 financial year.

The consultation document for the draft Annual Plan attracted just over 600 submissions and Council considered these in deliberations, on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May.

Mayor Rachel Reese says the Council decisions made over the last two days take into consideration the values and views of the community.

“We received a large number of submissions this year which have been invaluable in developing this plan and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback.

“In particular, there has been a large amount of feedback from the mountain biking community, with 310 submissions on this topic.

“These highlighted a real appetite to cement Nelson as a world class cycling destination, and I am delighted to have included a number of initiatives in this plan and to be working in partnership with the mountain biking community to make this happen.” she says.

Council’s 2016/17 work programme now contains a total of $178,000 for mountain biking projects, including a new grade 2 track in Marsden Valley; a new track and toilet facilities on Fringed Hill and the reinstatement of Codgers Track.

There is also funding to extend the scope of Council’s Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy to cover the wider issue of the future economic potential from developing mountain biking as a visitor attraction.

“There are not only social and recreational opportunities here, but potential economic and tourism benefits. Mountain biking and trail cycling could see Nelson being as busy in the shoulder and winter seasons as we are in summer.”

The gondola project was also discussed in parallel with the mountain biking projects. Council has allocated up to $100,000 of funding to support the project through its next stages, dependent on evidence of the economic contribution it will make to mountain biking and the City, and the availability of partnership funding.

A large number of submissions were also received on the location of the Elma Turner Library.

“Preliminary discussions on possible library redevelopment locations had resulted in space in Civic House and the State Advances Building being reserved until options for the library were further advanced.

“It is clear that our community has a strong connection of the library’s riverside location. This clarity is extremely helpful and now allows us to activate the vacant space in Civic House and the State Advances Building. This brings an exciting opportunity to revitalise this end of Trafalgar Street.

“Of course, there are a number of other exciting projects that are supported in this Plan. The Haven Precinct is a major urban design and development project that the community has shown enthusiasm for.” she says.

$150,000 has been included for development of concept design work of the Haven Precinct, followed by public consultation.

Some of the other projects and funds decided on over the deliberation period were:

• The inclusion of $88,000 for the joint cricket/target shooting facility at Saxton Field to cover geotechnical excavations, Council levies and the fundraising shortfall. A further $70,000 is allocated to allow for the verandah and pathways.

• The inclusion of $2,500 for the provision of wash-down facilities for kitesurfing at Tahunanui beach.

• The inclusion of $20,000 for the provision of an upgraded hammer throw cage at the Saxton athletics track.

• The inclusion of $25,000 for the development of a freedom camping strategy, and $10,000 for additional sinks.

• Allocation of $50,000 for the conservation of the Cawthron Steps.

• An additional $60,000 is included for an enhanced woodburner behaviour change programme, contingent on approval of Plan Change A3.

• The confirmation of $400,000 for the creation of the Trafalgar Theatre.

• Gracefield beheading project (wastewater) will be brought forward to 2016/17 along with associated funding of $54,066.

• The cycle safety signage on Cable Bay Road to be considered following investigations into effectiveness.

• Effectiveness of graffiti removal to be discussed with Network Tasman and NZ Transport Agency

“Council will address issues raised in the community around freedom camping, to ensure we are both welcoming visitors to our city, but also protecting our environment and our local culture at the same time.” Mayor Reese says.

“I’d also like to highlight how encouraging it is to see the commitment of Council to investigate options for expanding our smokefree policy as part of this annual plan.”

The final Annual Plan will be signed off on June 2, and will come into force on 1 July 2016. At present, this will mean a rate increase of 2.84% compared with the Long Term Plan figure of 3.4% for the 2016/17, and a debt level of $131M compared with the Long Term Plan figure of $133M.

ENDS

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