Achievements highlighted in SDC Annual Report

Friday, 3 December 2010

The 2009-2010 Southland District Council annual report reflects a productive year and a $4.9 millon surplus.

Chief executive Dave Adamson said the council had successfully undertaken an array of tasks.

"I'm very proud of what has been achieved for the residents of our district, as well as the progress made towards some exciting projects for our future," he said.

The report marks completion of the first year in the council's ambitious Ten Year Plan, which included 146 projects for the 2009/2010 year, along with 108 performance targets.

"Overall, nearly a third of all projects were completed by the end of the year with a large proportion still in progress and due for completion within the next financial year," Mr Adamson said.

"Over three quarters of performance targets were either met in full or by a majority - that's a great achievement in the inaugural year of our Ten Year Plan."

The council achieved a net surplus of $4.9 million. However, revenue was $5.4 million less than budgeted - the deferred sale of the old Te Anau airport and $3 million reduced New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) funding among the contributing factors.

"Unfortunately, as a result of funding pressures, our district roading programme was constrained despite increasing demands on our network," Mr Adamson said.

"But, measured by the level of complaints, we are happy to report that satisfaction in our roading network seems to have not deteriorated over this period."

In line with the budget, just over $56 million was used on operating expenditure. Council spent $25.2 million on capital projects, including $11.6 million on roading and transport services and $11 million on stormwater, water and wastewater projects in local townships.

With a focus on improving water and sewerage schemes throughout the district, Edendale and Wyndham's joint sewerage and water schemes were nearing completion and substantial progress was made on the new treatment plant for the Lumsden-Balfour water supply scheme.

Council also made the decision, as part of the Annual Plan 2010/2011, to introduce a two-bin rubbish collection system for recycling ease, which followed several years of investigation.

A joint region-wide Civil Defence Emergency Management Service was also established with its Southland Coordinating Executive Group chaired by the SDC.

"The new structure was tested in April when wide-scale flooding occurred and proved successful in minimising the impact with effective warnings, response and a pro-active approach," Mr Adamson said.

Considerable progress was also made on rewriting the District Plan, in partnership with Environment Southland and its corresponding regional plan.

"They are two very significant documents which will have probably the largest impact on the future of our communities than any of the documents we write."

Council-driven legislation for a visitor levy for Stewart Island, which would assist with infrastructure, services and amenities, passed its first reading in Parliament.

"A levy is seen as a fair and efficient way of ensuring the cost of visitors is not unfairly borne by island residents and ratepayers alone," Mr Adamson said.

Other projects Council was working alongside central government on included the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail. Stage one from Walter Peak to Mossburn, which received a $4 million funding injection from the Ministry of Tourism, received strong support from the community and land-owners.

The full Southland District Council 2009-2010 Annual Report can be found online at www.southlanddc.govt.nz, at any council offices or by phoning 0800 732 732 and requesting a copy.

Who to contact

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Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz