Connect May 2020• Issue 112

Keeping you up to date with news from Council Council’s draft Annual Plan for 2020/2021

Every year around this time, Buller District Council releases its draft Annual Plan for community consultation on its planned activities and associated budgets for the next financial year. During the consultation period our community has the opportunity to provide feedback on Council’s plans and budgets by making a submission on the draft Annual Plan. The consultation period for the draft Annual Plan for 2020/2021 is now open with submissions being accepted until 4.30pm Friday 29 May 2020. After the submission period closes your elected representatives (Councillors) meet and deliberate on the merit of the submissions received. Once your Councillors have reached agreement on appropriate changes to activities and budgets, the Annual Plan is confirmed (adopted) and the staff at Council get on with delivering that plan As Council premises are not open to the public, consultation documents and submission forms are being distributed to essential service outlets throughout Buller where ratepayers can collect a copy. They can be found in such places as supermarkets and petrol stations in our bigger towns, and Footlite and Sole in . The documents are also available on Council’s website www.bullerdc.govt.nz/plans. Online submissions can be completed at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-21Annualplan a hardcopy submission form is provided on the last page of this issue of Connect. For further information contact Mary Wilson by emailing: [email protected] or by phoning (0800) 807 239.

Rate Payment Options for those Water Supply affected by COVID-19 Buller District Council is encouraging community feedback on the We as a community are facing COVID-19 together and we upgrade of the Reefton Water Supply through the draft Annual Plan are here to support you. The Council is continuing to work community consultation process. hard ensuring essential services are effectively delivered and The community consultation process enables anyone to make a maintained across our District. submission about Council’s planned works and its budget for the next financial year, which is due to start on 1 July 2020. During this time we know that some residents and business owners are worried about their finances. While we cannot We recognise and acknowledge that safe drinking water is a key make changes to the rates in this current year, we can look at aspect for the Reefton community. Council respects your views and alternative arrangements for payment that might help in the sincerely want to receive feedback on the project. The draft Annual short-term. Plan community consultation process provides a way for Councillors to receive feedback and consider it before the Annual Plan is adopted. Council can work with ratepayers to revise their payment options All submissions that are received will be shared amongst Councillors and can provide an extension of time for Rates instalment four for review before they deliberate the draft Annual Plan in the middle of if ratepayers have been impacted due to COVID-19 restrictions. June. This is when they will decide if they want any changes made before All eligible ratepayers will have up to six months to pay this finalising the plan. instalment. A list of FAQs are available on Councils website. Head to www.bullerdc.govt.nz/covid19rates Everyone wants a long-term solution for Reefton water to ensure it is or phone 0800 807 239for more information. safe, compliant and fit for the future.

www.bullerdc.govt.nz Submission Form: 2020/2021 Draft Annual Plan

(Office use only) Drinking water notices Submission Buller District Council number: wishes to advise that a Precautionary Boil Water Notice Submitters details has been issued for Name: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms: Inangahua Junction and Punakaiki water Address: Change to rates rebate supplies. The existing Phone: Precautionary Boil application process Water Notice for Email: Usually rates rebate application forms must be signed and Reefton also remains witnessed because they are a statutory declaration stating in effect. the information included on the form is full and correct. Would you like to speak to Councillors at the Annual Plan Hearing on Thursday Yes No Under COVID-19 Level 4 and 3 Council cannot witness There have been no 11 June 2020, to add further details to your submission? ratepayers signing the application form in person. As a transgressions or result, there has been a change to enable rates rebates (The format of the hearing will be advised once confirmation of the Covid-19 alert level at that time is known.) statutory declarations to be made by audio-visual link or issues with water telephone. quality for any of these supplies.Boiling water Rates rebate applications need to be submitted before is advised as a precautionary measure to 30 June 2020 by ratepayers who wish to receive up to assist with facilitating good health during the What is going on at Council? $640 off their 2019-2020 rates account. This year’s rebate COVID-19 pandemic. , Ngakawau- is based on the combined household income for the year Over the page are some of the key issues that Council is consulting on in the draft 2020/2021 ended 31 March 2019. Ratepayers who want to complete Hector, and water a rates rebate form can call Council on 03 788 9608, or supplies remain on Permanent Boil Water Annual Plan, which cover a range of projects and opportunities considered to be of interest to our 0800 807 239, or text 027 414 0699, or email rates@bdc. Notice as they are untreated supplies. community...... your feedback is welcomed :) govt.nz. Council will help applicants complete the rebate application before the deadline. This means that ALL UNCHLORINATED water Many ratepayers may be eligible for the rebate. The level of supplies across the district are now on Boil rate rebate reduces as income levels rise. Sometimes family Water Notice until further notice. Consumers circumstances such asth number of dependents can mean are requested to boil all water for drinking a ratepayer is entitled to claim this rebate. Rebates are paid Printed by Buller Printing by Printed for by central government so this means claiming a rebate and for use in food preparation. Guidance How can you have your say? does not cost Council. information can be found below. It is recommended all ratepayers check to see if they are Please note that as a chlorinated supply, entitled to a rebate at: We would like to hear what you think of our draft 2020/2021 Annual Plan. Westport and Water Supply is www.govt.nz/browse/housing-and-property/getting-help- excluded from this Boil Water Notice Submissions are accepted during the consultation period, from Thursday 30 April 2020 until Friday 29 May 2020. There with-housing/getting-a-rates-rebate/ are a number of ways you can find out more about the Plan, get a copy of the document or make a submission: All consumers on rural town water supplies „„ Email [email protected] with your request. at Little Wanganui Subdivision, Mokihinui, Dog registrations „„ Visit Council’s website www.bullerdc.govt.nz/plans. Ngakawau/Hector, South and 2020/21 registration is fast Waimangaroa are reminded that all water intended „„ Submissions can be completed online by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-21Annualplan. approaching and all dog for drinking and food preparation should be boiled „„ Submission forms and copies of the Plan and Consultation Document are being made available at supermarkets and owners should receive their for at least three minutes before use. four-square stores throughout Buller. In Punakaiki the documents will be available at Footlite & Sole. forms to register dog/s by mid/late June. Permanent boil water notices have been issued Councillors and staff are available during the consultation period to discuss any aspects of the 2020/2021 draft Annual Plan. Phone Council on (0800) 807-239 to arrange a time that suits. Please notify us if any of the for these localities as their water supplies are following has changed for you – untreated and originate from bush catchments Council will consider all submissions with the final Annual Plan for 2020/2021 to be adopted on Wednesday 24 • You have moved address which have the potential for contamination from June 2020, incorporating any changes agreed through the submission process. The plan will become effective • Your contact details have animal and bird life. from 1 July 2020. changed • You have a new dog or one has passed away • Your details need to be amended Bedding for the Pound • If your dog has been chipped or desexed We are in need of bedding suitable We would like to hear your views !! If you wish to set up payments for your dog/s registration or for the pound. If you have any old you wish to discuss any dog related matters, please give us a blankets or towels. Please drop them call. into Council or let us know for pick up. Return this completed form to the mail slot at Council offices in Westport or Reefton; or Call the Council on 0800 087 239 and we will pass Please note we cannot take duvets, complete your submission form online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-21Annualplan information onto our Animal Management Team pillows etc. | Email: [email protected] | Fax: [03] 788-8041 | Post: Buller District Council, PO Box 21, Westport 7866 | 2 www.bullerdc.govt.nz Further information and all consultation documents can be found at: http://bullerdc.govt.nz/plans/ Submission Form: 2020/2021 Draft Annual Plan

(Office use only)

Submission number:

Submitters details Name: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:

Address: Phone: Email:

Would you like to speak to Councillors at the Annual Plan Hearing on Thursday Yes No 11 June 2020, to add further details to your submission? (The format of the hearing will be advised once confirmation of the Covid-19 alert level at that time is known.)

What is going on at Council? Over the page are some of the key issues that Council is consulting on in the draft 2020/2021 Annual Plan, which cover a range of projects and opportunities considered to be of interest to our community...... your feedback is welcomed :)

How can you have your say?

We would like to hear what you think of our draft 2020/2021 Annual Plan. Submissions are accepted during the consultation period, from Thursday 30 April 2020 until Friday 29 May 2020. There are a number of ways you can find out more about the Plan, get a copy of the document or make a submission: „„ Email [email protected] with your request. „„ Visit Council’s website www.bullerdc.govt.nz/plans. „„ Submissions can be completed online by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-21Annualplan. „„ Submission forms and copies of the Plan and Consultation Document are being made available at supermarkets and four-square stores throughout Buller. In Punakaiki the documents will be available at Footlite & Sole.

Councillors and staff are available during the consultation period to discuss any aspects of the 2020/2021 draft Annual Plan. Phone Council on (0800) 807-239 to arrange a time that suits.

Council will consider all submissions with the final Annual Plan for 2020/2021 to be adopted on Wednesday 24 June 2020, incorporating any changes agreed through the submission process. The plan will become effective from 1 July 2020. We would like to hear your views !!

Return this completed form to the mail slot at Council offices in Westport or Reefton; or 6 - 8 Brougham St, PO Box 21, Westport 7866 24 hr Noise and Animal Control Services complete your submissionPh 03 788 9111 form or 0800 online 807 239 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-21AnnualplanPh 03 788 9115 66 Broadway, PO Box 75, Reefton 7851 After hours Operations emergencies | Email: [email protected] 03 732 8821 |or Fax 0800: 808[03] 821 788-8041 | Post: BullerPh 03 District 788 9119 Council, Westport, orPO 03 Box732 8092 21, ReeftonWestport 7866 | 3 Further information and all consultation documents can be found at: http://bullerdc.govt.nz/plans/ (Office use only) Submission number:

Submitters details (please complete all details) Name: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:

Address: Phone: Email:

Would you like to speak to Councillors at the Annual Plan Hearing on 11 June 2020? Yes No (The format of the hearing will be known once confirmation of the Covid-19 alert level at that time is known.)

1. Reefton swimming pool upgrade The Long Term Plan did not provide budgets for work on the Reefton Swimming Pool. However, the Annual Plan 2019/2020 included $300,000 for critical upgrades that would preserve the safety and usability of this important community facility. Following community consultation and the completion of project plans, an additional $200,000 has been included in the 2020/2021 draft Annual Plan to have this work completed to ensure a solid, safe and compliant structure around the swimming pools, with improved user comfort.

Do you agree with this approach?

2. Reefton public toilet upgrade A budget of $400,000 has been included for the 2020/2021 financial year to undertake the upgrade to the public toilets on the corner of Broadway and Bridge Street. Council intends to seek external funding of $200,000 from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund to assist with the cost of this capital project. Are you in support of this upgrade?

3. Reefton water supply, treated water protection In the draft Annual Plan Council has budgeted $350,000 to prioritise the capital works required to restore full compliance with the Drinking Water Standards. This will include: process improvements to enable chlorination, realignment and replacement of the rising and falling main and securing integrity of the treated water reservoir. Do you support this project?

4. Waimangaroa drinking water upgrade Council has budgeted $490,000 in this Annual Plan, in addition to the $400,000 to be sought in external funding, towards capital works to achieve compliance with the drinking water standards for the Waimangaroa supply. Affordability for consumers is a critical consideration in determining the best way to proceed and funding options for building this infrastructure require further development. At a meeting last year Council resolved that a connection to the Westport supply was the preferred option. However, consultation with Westport/Carters Beach ratepayers is also required regarding amalgamation and this is to be undertaken before Council can make a final decision.

Do you support this approach?

Any other feedback on Council’s draft Annual Plan for 2020/2021?