South Taranaki District Council consulting on district's Long Term Plan

The South Taranaki District Council plans to improve its wastewater infrastructure during the next 10 years.

With much of its infrastructure and facilities upgrade work completed, the South Taranaki District Council is turning its focus making the district "the most liveable" in New Zealand.

Mayor Ross Dunlop says building a new Centre for Heritage, Arts, Library, Culture and Information will be a priority to help achieve the council's vision which is outlined in its Proposed Long Term Plan 2018–2028 Consultation Document.

"Previously, the council's focus has been on upgrading our district's water infrastructure, key community facilities and implementing projects designed to make South Taranaki a desirable place to live and do business," Mr Dunlop said.

"We are now in the enviable position of having completed many of the costly upgrades that a lot of councils are still facing.

"We now have a much improved and reliable water network and, since our last Long Term Plan three years ago, we have progressed the Hawera Town Centre redevelopment, district pathways programme, Opunake Beach masterplan and the new regional landfill. Our focus for the next 10 years is to complete these key projects, maintain our current assets and core services and improve our wastewater infrastructure.

"At the same time the council is conscious of the need to keep rates affordable, so we are funding many of our key projects with existing reserves and earnings from the council's long-term investment fund, rather than through rates."

The proposed Long Term Plan signals an average total rate increase of 3.08 per cent per year over the next 10 years.

A consultation document outlining the key issues and proposals will be delivered to South Taranaki households over a week, beginning on March 26. It will also be available from the council's LibraryPlus centres and online at www.southtaranaki.com after March 26.

Submissions close on Wednesday, May 2.