Low rates rise, 'exciting' long term plan

RATES: A rates increase of nearly 3 per cent is earmarked for South Wairarapa.PHOTO/FILE

Minimal rates increases and new initiatives across the district make for an "exciting" long term plan for the South Wairarapa District, says council CEO Paul Crimp.

The plan, which was adopted on June 24, has an average rates increase across the 10 year period of 2.68 per cent, with the increase for 2015/16 sitting at 2.98 per cent.

"While we were preparing the plan, we looked long into the future of our district and we can't see any surprises on the horizon," said Mr Crimp.

"We are confident our infrastructural asset base is in good serviceable condition and we won't have any deferred maintenance issues in the future.

"This means we can continue to make good progress on many fronts without the threat of large average rates increases " and there's still capacity to increase revenue even if something does crop up."

As part of the long term plan, the council has committed to develop a co-ordinated approach to cycleways and cycling in South Wairarapa.

This follows on from the completion of the Cross Creek to Featherston cycleway, which links Featherston to the Rimutaka cycleway.

"We are also excited to announce that we are working in partnership with the Greytown Sports and Leisure Society to extend their model into Featherston and Martinborough."

Mr Crimp said targeted sector group meetings have highlighted a need for the sports groups within each town to be better co-ordinated.

"We are confident this will enhance the various sporting and cultural groups within the towns, and ultimately we will be a stronger district for it."

He said Featherston would benefit from the Town Centre project and the new Menz Shed, which will significantly enhance the middle of the town.

Coastal reserves are also in for a "spruce up", which includes another couple of toilets on what is a very popular coastline.