"All councils will face multiple changes as the Resource Management Act is replaced, as the Three Waters reforms roll out and as decisions are made on New Zealand's pathway to zero emissions."
David says implementing the Essential Freshwater package's new standards, requirements and regulations will be one of the largest projects the council has ever undertaken.
The council is budgeting for additional freshwater-focused scientific, technical and cultural resources, as well as increased land management services to help farmers and landowners reduce their environmental impacts.
The extra environmental spending will amount to just under $3 million over three years, the bulk of it starting in the 2021/2022 year.
It will also investigate alternative fuel options for the New Plymouth Citylink bus fleet. It will investigate and trial new Citylink routes and extra services on existing routes.
"We got a clear message about bus services during public consultation. The community wants greener buses and more bus services."
When costs for the fuel conversions and extra services are finalised, budgeting provisions will be included in the 2022/2023 Annual Plan.
Other LTP budget items include contributing $100,000 towards the development of a Regional Recovery Plan, refurbishing council's office at a cost of $6m over two years, to be funded with a loan repaid from rates, and restoring financial support for Wild for Taranaki.
Annual regional rates will rise in 2021/2022 by less than $30 for the average householder, and by around $60 for a farm worth $2m, with smaller increases budgeted in subsequent years. Rates for many commercial and industrial ratepayers will reduce slightly in 2021/2022.
"Budgeting for a rates increase is never a decision taken lightly. But the extra spending needed for us to implement Essential Freshwater is significantly offset by the $20 million 'shovel-ready' grant for the Yarrow Stadium project, the targeted rate for which is reducing by 45 per cent. So the impact for most can be measured in tens of dollars across the whole year."
The LTP details budgets and programmes for the coming three financial years, and outlines those for the subsequent seven years.
The council received 91 submissions on its 2021/2031 LTP, with 22 submitters presenting their cases in person at a hearing last week.
The LTP takes effect from July 1. The full document will be available on the council website, www.trc.govt.nz, in the coming week.
