Have your say on long-term plan MAYORAL MUSINGS

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: OPINION Mayor Andrew Tripe
• Publication title: Whanganui Midweek

Along with councillors, I’ve been at a range of engagement events listening to views on the many issues up for consideration as we chart a course for where we should go over the next 10 years

It’s easy to put in a submission — you can do it online on the Have Your Say page on the council website, or pick up a paper submission form from council customer services at 101 Guyton St.

No decisions have yet been made and you have until Thursday, May 2, to add your voice to the conversation.

The economic reality Compared with many councils, ours has invested solidly in infrastructure and water assets and kept debt manageable.

But, nationwide, councils are grappling with cost increases and we’re no exception with costs for roads, as one example, jumping up 27 per cent from three years ago.

These higher costs are translating into higher rates and, nationally, the proposed average rates rise this year is 15.3 per cent.

Our council is proposing a 10.6 per cent average rates rise — but we’ll need to make some changes to get there.

Changes to council services If we want to keep the rates rise down to an average of 10.6 per cent, there are some tough calls to be made, so we’ve proposed several cuts and we’re keen to hear what you think.

This includes closing the Whanganui East Pool because it needs upgrading and is expensive to run when it’s open only during the summer. Also, the Whanganui Repertory Theatre needs a lot of work so we’re proposing to close it for demolition and focus on upgrading the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

We’re also checking in again to see if views have changed on closing the Rotokawau Virginia Lake aviary, given the economic environment we’re in.

We’re suggesting we retain New Zealand Glassworks, but seek a buyer for it, close the Davis Library for a day during the week, and remove the hanging flower baskets in the CBD.

You can read about other services up for community feedback in the long-term...