2011/2012 Annual Plan - Waikato District Council

Executive Summary
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$5.3m has been earmarked for the design and construction of a main pump station and rising
main from Pokeno to Tuakau, and the installation of trunk water mains to service new
development in Pokeno.
Council has set aside $560,000 for the relocation of the Lorenzen Bay pump station and the
construction of a rising main from the pump station.
Council, in conjunction with Solid Energy, will continue its five year development programme
for Puketirini Reserve at a cost of $99,300 for 2011/2012. Solid Energy is committed to
contributing a further $80,000 this year.
Council will contribute $300,000 this year towards the development of the Great River
Walkway from Ngaruawahia to Hamilton.
Key issues facing the district:
Effect of the northern boundary expansion
This year is the first time we will be considering implications of budgeting for the ex-Franklin District
Council area that amalgamated with the Waikato District Council in November 2010. The aim
of staff has been to ensure there is no cross-subsidisation of Franklin and former Waikato district
budgets. This means that there will be very little change to the way in which the ex-Franklin District
Council area and the former Waikato District Council area will operate in terms of levied rates and
programmed works. A comprehensive review and amalgamation of both budgets will be undertaken
in 2012 as part of preparing the 2012-2022 Long Term Plan (LTP).
Ex-Franklin District Council revenue
Council’s share of the revenue from the division of Franklin into Auckland, Hauraki and Waikato does
not currently match its share of the forecasted expenditure. This means there will be a deficit that
Council needs to address. There are a number of options available to deal with this, which include, but
are not limited to, reducing expenditure, delaying projects or changing rates.
This issue will be addressed during the development of the Waikato District Council’s 2012-2022 LTP
in 2012.
Governance of the new Waikato District Council area
During 2011/2012 we will continue to monitor progress and give some consideration to the
possibilities for future governance in the Waikato. This will include consideration of the status quo,
shared services and amalgamation options.
In the meantime, our staff will continue to work with other councils to find new ways of sharing
resources and services.
Managing growth
Auckland City Council is faced with the challenge of having to provide services and infrastructure
for a population of 2.1 million by 2041. To assist in managing growth pressures, the Auckland Spatial
Plan is currently being developed. Council will need to work alongside Auckland City to ensure the
integrity of the Future Proof Growth and Development Strategy is upheld and cross-boundary growth
pressures and demands on resources are managed in a way, or at a rate which provides for the social,
economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the district as a whole.
Joint Management Agreement
Waikato-Tainui and Council entered into a Joint Management Agreement (JMA) on 23 March
2010. Through the JMA, Council are committed to the restoration and protection of the health and
wellbeing of the Waikato River for future generations. Council are also committed to establishing and
maintaining a positive co-operative and enduring relationship with Waikato-Tainui.
WAIKATO DISTRICT COUNCIL Annual Plan 2011/12
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