Southland District Council News

Work begins on larger centre

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Winton Medical Centre will be soon welcoming patients into its newly enlarged premises, providing more space for health professionals to effectively look after the local community’s medical needs, as a result of a partnership between the Medical Centre’s Community Trust and Winton Community Board.

Expansion of the surgery was identified as a necessary undertaking when the project was initially proposed nearly three years ago, as it will supply nurses and other medical professionals who engage in consultation work with additional private rooms in the building which is owned by Southland District Council.

A Community Trust was established, made up of the majority shareholders at the Medical Centre, to head the expansion and the Trust will work alongside Winton Community Board to ensure that the extension of the building will be carried out efficiently.

The project is a two-stage process that firstly focussed on the relocation of Plunket, which occupied a portion of the Medical Centre building, to a newly constructed building in Winton.

The second part of the joint venture that is underway involves the revision and upgrade of the Medical Centre building to include the new extra space vacated by Plunket.

Pharmacist of Winton Pharmacy and Chairman of the Trust’s Directors, Geoff Carleton, described the work of the Community Trust as “a good use of public money to provide better services and a better environment for the public”.

Winton Community Board Chairman John McHugh said he is sure the staff will welcome the additional space and improved working conditions.

“The community will appreciate a lot more privacy. The practice has really out grown the building over the last thirty plus years.”

The enlargement project is funded by aggregated profits made by Winton Medical Centre throughout the last 10 years and over a third of funding has come directly from Winton Community Board.

Remembering those who were lost

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has condolence books to remember the 29 men who were lost in the Pike River Mine disaster in every office in the District. Chief executive David Adamson said Southland residents can go into offices on Stewart Island, in Riverton, Otautau, Te Anau, Lumsden, Wyndham and Winton and at the main office in Invercargill on Forth Street to sign the condolence book and leave a message for the families of the men. The books will stay in the offices for two weeks before being collected and collated, and sent away, along with a personalised card for each of the men's families.

Mayor Frana Cardno has sent a personal message to Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn offering whatever help Southland District Council can do.

"Both staff and Council are saddened by this tragedy and are thinking of those families, the mine staff and indeed the people of the West Coast at this time," Mr Adamson said.

"Our thoughts, our best wishes and our prayers go out to them all."

Southern Fire Fighters Heading to Victoria

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:41:07 +1300

Nine southern firefighters leave today to help fight the bushfires which have killed at least 181 people and have devastated large areas in Victoria in Australia.

Southern Rural Fire Authority Principal Rural Fire Officer Mike Grant said the nine are a mixture of forestry staff, forestry contractors and Department of Conservation staff.

"They need people who are used to hill and hill country and broken terrain and obviously people with forestry knowledge," Mr Grant said.

The team leaves at 6.30am this morning (Friday 13 February) and flies to Melbourne, along with the rest of the New Zealand team of 44.

The Kiwis will be briefed about the situation in Melbourne tomorrow and then go out on to the firelines on Sunday, Mr Grant said.

The team will be in Victoria for 18 days, working two seven-day assignments, with two rest days in between.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Mike Grant
Principal Rural Fire Officer, Southern Rural Fire District
Ph (0800) 732 732
Mobile: 027 471 6095

Mayor Criticises Roading Changes

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +1300

The Government's changes to road funding will have a significant impact on Southland, District Mayor Frana Cardno said. Under the changes announced today, regional fuel taxes are replaced with increased fuel tax and road user charges.

"Southlanders have to travel further for day-to-day things, such as school and supermarkets, and businesses have to freight product to and from the provinces. The changes will see costs going up at all levels in the provinces," Mrs Cardno said.

"Our ratepayers are really struggling already to meet the roading costs, and Council has to increase the roading rate in order to pay for the roads that are being damaged.

"It is important to remember that agriculture and rural business is still the backbone of the economy."

Mrs Cardno said it was essential to have a system that was balanced for everyone.

"This would be an excellent time to review the financial assistance rate because our ratepayers are already paying the most per person in New Zealand towards roading.

"It's time for the Government to increase the minimum 43 percent subsidy to at least 50 percent."

Southland had supported the regional fuel tax in its original format, under which councils could use the tax to meet their needs. However, there was too much national interference in the model that was put in place by the previous Government.

"We recognise Auckland has transport problems, but so do we, and we would welcome Transport Minister Simon Joyce coming down to talk to us about Southland's roading and transport network," Mrs Cardno said.

Under the changes, the funds raised from the increased fuel taxes and road user charges will go into the National Land Transport Fund, almost $1 billion more will be spent on state highway construction in the next three years and Government will allocate an additional $258 million to land transport over the next two years.

There has been no announcement so far on additional assistance for territorial local authorities to fast-track projects to assist the Government in its endeavours to boost the economy.

Council congratulates Barnes

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Southland athlete Sarah Barnes has reached another pinnacle in her sporting career by being selected in Rowing New Zealand's elite squad for the world championships in Poland in August.

Barnes was selected in the women's quadruple scull and is moving to Cambridge to train with Harriet Austin, Louise Trappitt and Genevieve Armstrong, under coach Dick Tonks.

The resource management planner was farewelled by her Southland District Council workmates on Friday.

Chief executive David Adamson said her selection was well deserved as she was a hard worker and dedicated to her sport, whether it be rowing or netball. Barnes had been in the Southern Sting netball team previously.

"We will miss her but wish her every success in rowing," Mr Adamson said.

"Sarah certainly contributed to our organisation and it's sad to see a productive and valuable member of our staff leave.

"She is an outstanding sportswoman."

Barnes said she would miss the Council and Southland.

"But I am excited at the opportunities rowing for New Zealand will provide, such as going to Europe for the Worlds for two months.

"There's a lot of work to be done, but I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do in training."

Barnes joins two other Southlanders in the 23-person squad, with Nathan Cohen combining with Matthew Trott in the men's heavy double scully and Storm Uru racing with Peter Taylor in the lightweight double scull.

New Treatment System for Scheme

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council will use an innovative and new to New Zealand method to treat wastewaters from the new Edendale-Wyndham sewerage scheme.

Council has decided to use the BioFiltro system, which is based on vermiculture. Bacteria will break down the organic waste, and a variety of worms will feed on the bacteria to ultimately form low-volume humus, which is a soil-like residue, and a high-quality liquid for discharging, Council project manager Bevan McKenzie said.

The system is common in South America, with more than 60 plants in Chile. Plants have also been installed in France and the Chilean Air Force Base in Antarctica.

The system provides higher quality discharge and a lower construction cost than the pond-based system, originally planned for the joint scheme, Mr McKenzie said.

"The BioFiltro system could save up to $1 million in construction costs and this saving would allow the scheme to be built within the original budget," he said.

Council had originally chosen a centralised pond-based treatment plant for both Edendale and Wyndham at a site between the two towns. However, it was approached by BioFiltro (NZ) Ltd and asked to consider its alternative system.

The system treats the raw sewage by first putting it through a mechanical screening filter, which removes larger solid inorganic matter. The waste water is then applied to a packed bed of plastic, screens, sawdust, rocks and bacteria. The worms within the sawdust bed provide aeration and consume the bacterial to create humus. The remaining clear liquid is treated by a UV unit before being discharged.

Investigations were carried out into the system by Council, and these showed the Biofiltro system could meet the consent conditions, including the lower level of phosphorus required by the Environment Court decision last year.

"BioFiltro has also committed to the high performance levels by agreeing to a warranty over a minimum of 18 months."

Winter driving campaign starts

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Winter can be a dangerous time on the roads, so Road Safety Southland, ACC and Police have combined to deliver a Winter Driving campaign starting in May. Road Safety Southland community advisor Jane Ballantyne said ice, snow, rain and poor visibility can push drivers and vehicles to their limit.

"In the past five years three people have been killed and 75 injured in crashes caused by bad weather and Road Safety Southland, ACC and Police want to help Southlanders not become one of those statistics," Ms Ballantyne said.

A few simple precautions can be the difference between a safe trip and a crash. The campaign starts this week with a feature page in The Southland Times. Following on from that Beaurepaires will run vehicle maintenance workshops, targeted at women, which will include how to change a tyre and how to look after the car's tyres, changing oil and jump starting the battery. These courses will be limited to 20 people.

ACC will run safe winter driving seminars with five main employers in the region and ice scrapers will be given out to help drivers clear icy or misty windscreens as well as information on winter driving.

"It's what you don't see that can be the problem - expect the unexpected," ACC injury prevention consultant Nic Miller said.

During the winter months Police will run Operation Frosty, when they will pull over vehicles with misty or frosted windscreens. A brochure containing safe winter driving tips will be available at council offices, some local libraries and garages and will go direct to some employers.

Road Safety, ACC and Police believe a defensive approach to driving is the smart way to stay out of winter driving trouble. This involves being alert to the driving environment around you and constantly watching for potential crash creating situations, like the cyclists who may have inadequate lighting on their bikes, or the pedestrian who may step unexpectedly on to the road.

"A pre-winter fitness test on your car is a good investment if you value safe trouble-free winter driving - many garages in your local area will offer these."

The checks should cover at least the brakes, cooling systems, fan belts, lights, batteries, alternators, tyre pressure and tread checks. It is also a good time to have your vehicle anti-freeze checked.

For further information please contact:

Jane Ballantyne

Road Safety Southland

Ph: 03 2112502 ext 3189

Cellphone: 0274512483

Nic Miller

ACC

Ph: 03 2110210

Cell: 027 281 6698

Kerrin Price

Police

Ph: 03 2110400

Cell: 027222807

Land use consent granted to South Coast Dairy

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +1200

South Coast Dairy Ltd has been granted land-use consents by the Southland District Council for gravel extraction and building construction at its proposed dairy conversion at Curio Bay. District Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said two land-use consents - to extract 9,000m3 of gravel and to establish and operate a dairy shed and six-bay implement shed within the coastal resource area - were granted with 27 conditions by Council.

These conditions include ongoing monitoring for compliance with conditions and carrying out landscaping to mitigate the visual effects of the activities.

Council and Environment Southland heard South Coast Dairy's application at a joint hearing on 1 and 2 April in Invercargill. More than 100 submissions to the application were made, and the applicant and several submitters were heard at this hearing.

South Coast Dairy Ltd sought land use consents from the Southland District Council because under the Southland District Plan, the buildings required resource consent as their sites are located in the Coastal Resource Area under the District Plan.

Councillors who heard the application considered very closely the information presented by the applicant and also the strong concerns expressed by the numerous submitters to the proposal, Mr Halligan said.

"The Committee noted that in relation to the effects of the proposed building, visual effects would be mitigated by the removal of several existing buildings so therefore the extent of built structures in the area would not be significantly greater."

The committee also closely scrutinised the extent of the gravel extraction proposed from two extraction sites on the property, and noted this extraction was not significantly greater than what the District Plan allowed as of right and was not large in the context of other extractions occurring within the province.

"Effects of this extraction could be mitigated by the imposition of suitable conditions, which included a requirement that the bulk of the gravel extraction occur on the less visually prominent extraction site, and ongoing monitoring for compliance."

Most of the submissions expressed concern over the potential effects of dairy effluent discharge on the environment, which is under Environment Southland's jurisdiction under the Resource Management Act 1991. Environment Southland is yet to release its decision on the water and discharge consents sought.

For further information please contact:

Bruce Halligan

Resource Management Manager

Southland District Council

Phone: 0800 732732

Council saddened by mill closure

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno says the closure of the Brightwood Mill in Otautau next month is a tragedy for the workers. "I am disappointed at the way it has happened. The first thing I knew about it was in the newspaper today," Mrs Cardno said. It has been a tough year for Western Southland, with this and the announcement in February that Solid Energy is closing its Ohai mine at the end of June, she said.

"I feel for the community - this area has been hard hit and is suffering."

Up to 60 workers will lose their jobs when the sawmill closes next month. Mill management said they had looked at every alternative to try to keep it open.

A similar announcement was made in January 2007, but 10 days later, it was announced the mill would stay open. However, management says this time is "more final," according to the Southland Times.

Mrs Cardno said Council and Venture Southland had met with mill management in 2007 and had worked hard to avoid total closure.

Council and Venture would encourage mill owners to mothball the mill, rather than dismantle it, so the closure could be short-term rather than longterm, she said.

"If the economy picks up then the mill could reopen as it is an important industry for Western Southland and indeed for the region."

Venture Southland community development group manager Rex Capil said from a community development perspective, he did not think the decision could be changed this time.

Venture would be working with the workers and other residents after the closure to see what options could be available, Mr Capil said.

Council and Venture would also talk to Government departments to see what support could be offered.

Presentation on new code planned

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland contractors, plumbers, engineers and utility providers are invited to a presentation this month about the new national code of practice for utilities' access to the transport corridor. Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss said Council is preparing to implement the new code, which will replace the existing trenching bylaw and affect the subdivision and land development bylaw.

"Council believes everyone involved in accessing transport corridors for services needs to have knowledge about the new code and so everyone is invited to the presentation at 10am on 29 May," Mr Voss said.

All works within the Council's urban and rural roading network, including works to be vested with Council at a future date, will be subject to the provisions of this new code.

The code is available for downloading from http://www.nzuag.org.nz/national-code/implementation-code.html

Council does need numbers for the presentation so please register your attendance on 0800 732 732 before 25 May.

The presentation will be at the Stairs Function Centre, on the corner of Tweed and Ethel Streets, at 10am and attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of the code with them.

Revamp for Council website

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council website www.southlanddc.govt.nz has had a makeover. Communications manager Louise Pagan said the revamped site is now live after several months of work.

The old site was looking tired and had some navigational problems, so it was time for redevelopment.

"Some things like our Southland banner have stayed the same, but we have made it easier to find what you want quickly," Mrs Pagan said.

The front page of the new site will be updated frequently with news and events and will have a monthly focus on one of Southland's towns and communities.

"We are moving to being able to do more things online and people will be able to sign up for updates on their water supply scheme, or get press releases when they are issued, or even simply changes on the site.

"People will also be able to search our cemetery records online."

Mrs Pagan encourages people to have a look and to email Council on emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz if they have feedback and/or suggestions on how to further improve the site.

"It will be a continually evolving site so any suggestions are welcome. However, we are also very aware of the fact that many Southlanders are still on dialup and so we have tried to ensure the site is simple and easy to download."

Record number of submissions

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has had a record number of submissions to its draft long-term plan, with 201 received. Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said 61 of those submitters indicated they wanted to speak to their submission and that was also a record number.

"It's great to see the number of people interested in the long-term plan process.

"Roading and the funding of roading work is the hot topic, with 73 submissions on roading, including several about the proposed Haast Hollyford link.

"44 submissions were made about how we fund the work we do on Southland roads," Miss Taylor said.

The three-bin recycling proposal received 34 submissions, district-wide funding of sewerage and water received 33 and resource management issues, including a drive to get the area around Curio Bay protected, received 31.

In total, submissions were made on 55 topics and Council staff are now summarising them, getting staff comment and getting them out to councillors to read before the hearings next month.

Submissions closed on May 21 and will be heard by Council on June 9 and 10 and considered at another meeting on June 11.

The final plan will be brought to Council for adoption on June 30.

Councils working together

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Planners from the Southland District Council and Environment Southland are working together on the review of two of the region's most significant planning tools - the Regional Policy Statement and the Southland District Plan. While the two documents have separate purposes, the District Plan has to give effect to provisions in the Regional Policy Statement so they are being reviewed together after each being in use for over 10 years.

The Councils agreed on the joint approach over a year ago because many of their issues are common to both regional and local planning. Working together will avoid duplication and make it easier to think about the ways policies and plans could be updated and made more relevant to today's communities.

Southland District Council Senior Planner Luke McSoriley said that the collaboration between the two councils would benefit the public, not only by saving money for ratepayers but by saving time for those who wanted to be involved in two separate but complementary planning processes.

The first step had been to develop a set of discussion papers that identify some of the big issues. These have been summarised in two alternative formats - short reports and information cards - to meet the needs of people with different levels of interest or understanding.

Now the Councils are bringing the review of the Regional Policy Statement and the District Plan into the public domain with the launch of the Issues and Options phase. This will include making all the discussion papers available to sector groups and the general public and a series of public forums around Southland over the next two months.

"It's a great opportunity for us because if the community is able to identify the issues that are significant to them, and come up with some new approaches for dealing with them, it will give us much more flexibility when we come to develop the new Regional Policy Statement and the new Southland District Plan," Environment Southland Resource Planner Ilana Batchelor said.

Consultation on the Issues and Options phase lasts until the end of July. Then both Councils will look at the comments and suggestions they receive from the public and interest groups before deciding how to proceed with the next phase of each of the respective Plan reviews.

For more information, go to the District Plan Review page.

District funding of water and sewerage postponed

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has postponed a proposal to fund water and sewerage district-wide, rather than by individual communities, for a year. The proposal put up in the Council's draft 10-year plan meant ratepayers on water and sewerage schemes would pay the same across the district for maintenance and renewal costs.

However, the majority of councillors felt more work was needed on this proposal after listening to submitters over the two days of hearings to the draft LTCCP.

Council spent yesterday discussing the 202 submissions and deliberating on changes to the draft plan.

Cr Diane Ridley said more work is needed on the proposal.

"We need to put these things to the communities."

There is a strong push to user-pays on everything and this is going in the opposite direction.

Mayor Frana Cardno said Council will have to look seriously at the management of water in the future as Central Government will be pushing it.

Councillors also discussed the roading budget and the way it is funded.

Staff also recommended that $200,000 could be removed from sealed and unsealed road maintenance costs for each of the ten years after recent maintenance tenders came in lower than expected.

While Cr Wallace Jack wanted to see further reductions in the roading budget, Council felt that there was a need to have a thorough review of roading levels of service, maintenance and costs over the next year rather than making a knee jerk reaction.

With submissions commenting on issues around maintenance of roads, particularly grading and potholes, councillors commented on the need to focus on the basics.

The roading rate was discussed at length, including the effect of the increase on lifestyle properties and the difference between models.

Cr Brian Dillon said Council and submitters are getting too hung up on individual properties.

"We have to take an overview - look at the big picture.

"I think we are walking down the right track. It's not perfect but nothing is."

No change was made to the model.

Councillors also agreed to fund health regulation as a uniform annual charge per dwelling across the district rather than a rate based on the land value of a property. The move was in response to calls to increase the proportion of rates collected this way. This will see around $12.66 added onto rates per dwelling and will be offset by a decrease in the rates collected by on land value.

While there was also some discussion about whether civil defence and rural fire should also be funded by uniform charge, Council left this unchanged in the plan.

Grants to Stadium Southland, the Warm Homes Trust and the Rugby World Cup were agreed on, as was continued funding for a biodiversity position.

Council has retained the proposal for a three-bin recycling service in the LTCCP, but this is subject to tendering, the final costs and a regional agreement.

Council Group Manager Services and Assets Cameron McIntosh said it is likely the proposal will come back to Council in November and at that time, Council will be able to make a decision about whether to proceed and in what format it might be.

Staff will now make the approved changes to the draft long term plan and it will be brought back to an extraordinary Council meeting on June 30 for final adoption.

Council defends response timeframes

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council believes its resource management response timeframes have improved markedly from the Ministry for the Environment figures released recently. Finance Minister Bill English, who is also the MP for Clutha-Southland, has criticised the Southland Council for its 73^rd position in the MfE report. However, Council chief executive David Adamson said the data in the report is between 12 and 23 months old (from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008).

"We have been able to recruit staff with more experience and have implemented several measures in staff training to streamline consent processing and create efficiencies since this time.

"We have also dealt with the largest number of consents within this period of all southern councils excluding Queenstown Lakes (Southland processed 395 consents, Invercargill City 345, Clutha District 133, Gore 75). For Southland District, this was an increase of almost 100 percent from the previous year.

"I would rather Council took 2 days longer than the required 20 days and produced the right decision based on the right information than rubberstamp an inadequate application within the timeframe and it not be robust. If it's late it's late once, if it's wrong it's wrong forever. Council is, however, endeavouring to get it right and on time," Mr Adamson said today.

Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said Council also queries the accuracy of the survey data as it appears several councils have been using Section 37 of the Resource Management Act, which allows councils to lengthen processing timeframes.

"Those councils who use section 37 and process a consent in 39 days will still be classed as within time, whereas those who don't use the section and process a consent in 21 days are over time.

"Southland District Council does not use this section. If we had, our ranking would have been different, but that would give a false impression of processing times."

Staff have raised this with MfE but have not received a response.

A resource management customer service survey has also been recently undertaken and this has shown a marked improvement in customer satisfaction since the previous one in 2007.

In 2009 71.3 percent of those surveyed were satisfied with resource management staff, compared to 59.6% in 2007. Overall satisfaction was up slightly to 58.8% from 55.1%, but dissatisfaction had decreased by nearly 10%, from 32.7% in 2007 to 23.5% in 2009.

Council also receives a lot of consent applications which have been filled out by individuals and often need more information and detail.

Mr Adamson said he would like Mr English to come south and talk to Council about the issue so he could understand it better.

"The two largest developments that have been built in Southland in the past five years - White Hill Windfarm and the Fonterra extension at Edendale - have both been within our District and in both cases, we have received praise from these applicants for our professionalism and processes."

Mr Halligan said he and his department are happy to be judged on their results, provided that everyone has the full picture and it is being judged on a level playing field with other councils in relation to processing time calculations.

"Timeliness is only one component of resource consent decision-making; and we consider getting adequate information from applicants with which to adequately assess a proposal and its impacts on the environment and our communities is very important.

"We also refer non-notified applications in our community board areas to the boards for input prior to approval , which many other councils don't do. This does lengthen the timeframe but it provides community input and makes for a more robust process.

"I think we enjoy a positive working relationship with our customers, particularly our regular clients who lodge multiple applications with us, and we value this relationship very highly. Our recent customer survey showed that 81% of our customers were happy with the service that they received from the resource management staff, which we think is a good result bearing in mind that with resource consent outcomes you can't necessarily please all the people all of the time." Mr Halligan said.

Council to apply for consent to clear vegetation

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Vegetation clearing on the Manapouri foreshore is on hold at the moment while the Southland District Council applies for resource consent.

Council area engineer Graham Jones said the clearing of vegetation carried out last month was as allowed for under the reserve management plan, which was adopted in 2003 after public consultation.

"Most people were very positive about the work done as it enables a view of Lake Manapouri. However, some negative feedback was also received and possible legal action signalled if the work continued," Mr Jones said.

A meeting held recently to discuss the clearing was helpful in establishing a better understanding. However, Council also received legal advice that a resource consent was needed to continue clearing indigenous vegetation.

Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said Rule HER.3 in the District Plan governs indigenous vegetation modification throughout the district.

"The Resource Management Act requires Council to recognise and provide for the protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. While this is primarily aimed at private land, it also applies to public land.

"If more work is carried out on the Manapouri Foreshore, Council could be seen to be in breach of its District Plan, which is obviously not acceptable."

Any further work would need a resource consent and an application for such would be publicly notified to allow all parties to make a submission in support or in opposition.

Mr Jones said some Manapouri people could be frustrated by this, but it is essential that Council ensures any future work is lawful and has followed the correct procedure. An application should be lodged within a month. Council is likely to hold the pre-hearing meeting and possibly also the formal hearing itself in Manapouri. Submitters who wish to be heard at the formal hearing will have the opportunity to speak to their submissions.

Resurfacing contract let

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has let its single biggest annual roading contract for the 2009/2010 year. Southland District Council asset manager roading Russell Hawkes said the tender from Fulton Hogan Ltd of $4,943,000 excluding GST was accepted by Council's activities performance audit committee.

The contract covers the 2009/10 resurfacing requirements for the three maintenance areas operated by Council. The three tenders closed on the same day with two of the tenderers providing Council with a single option alternative that would provide overall benefit to the Council.

Three tenders were received, with Fulton Hogan providing an alternative tender for all three areas. 145.1km of urban and rural roads will be resurfaced, ie, resealed and second coat sealed, under the contract, Mr Hawkes said.

"However, an additional 22.4km of road has been identified as being a priority for inclusion in this program, depending on the bitumen prices and the New Zealand dollar," he said.

The average cost per metre for this construction season based on the tender prices received will be $4.40 plus GST

"Fulton Hogan's track record of delivery gives us confidence that the solutions they come up with will provide good long term value for money and will be delivered," Mr Hawkes said.

Proposed plan changes to be notified

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council will soon notify three proposed changes to the Te Anau section of the Southland District Plan. Resource management planner Luke McSoriley said the proposed changes follow on from the discussion document sent out to Te Anau ratepayers in June 2008.

"Council received 244 responses to the proposals in that document and the three proposed changes received a lot of support," Mr McSoriley said.

The first change seeks to expand the existing urban resource area of Te Anau to incorporate recently consented residential developments currently sitting outside the present urban resource area boundary. This will provide for future urban expansion near to the existing urban area.

The second proposed change seeks to expand the existing industrial resource area and relates to an area east of the existing area. If approved, this will provide additional scope for future industrial expansion and will include a recently consented industrial subdivision development.

The third proposal relates to the creation of a lakeside protection area and seeks to strengthen the height provisions in the current District Plan. Currently, the limit in the urban resource area is 12 metres, but resource consent can potentially be sought and obtained for buildings higher than that.

"The proposed change would prohibit any exceeding of the 12 metre maximum, thereby sending a strong message that the community wishes to see development maintained at a maximum height of 12 metres beside the lake," Mr McSoriley said.

Council staff have prepared three reports which consider the alternatives, benefits and costs of undertaking each of the proposed changes, which will be publicly notified next month. Once the proposed changes are publicly notified, any party is able to submit in relation to these changes and be heard by Council if they wish to do so.

The proposed changes have been approved by Council's resource management committee. The Te Anau Community Board had previously endorsed the proposals.

Southern Councils pleased with cycle trail announcement

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Prime Minister John Key's announcement today about seven "Quick Start" cycle trails is excellent news for Southland and Otago, southern council leaders say. The Mayors and Chair from the seven southern councils - Southland District, Queenstown-Lakes District, Central Otago District, Clutha District, Gore District, Invercargill City and Environment Southland - have worked together to promote the Around the Mountain Rail Trail and it is fantastic that the Prime Minister has included it in his "Quick Start" projects, Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said.

In a speech to Local Government New Zealand today Mr Key said the Government had set aside $9 million from the $50 million New Zealand Cycleway Fund for projects earmarked for a "Quick Start."

Mr Key said that the first three large regional clusters were formed by 21 Mayors and Chairpersons in Northland, the Central and Eastern North Island, and the south of the South Island. These clusters, along with the Department of Conservation, have recommended a small number of projects they believe can be started this summer.

"This is a fantastic example of a cooperative approach that will be critical to the success of the Cycleway. The projects that have been selected for 'Quick Start' are: Waikato River Trail, Central North Island Rail Trail, Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui, St James Trail, Hokianga to Opua/Russell, Hauraki Plains Trail and Southland Around the Mountain Rail Trail.

"These are only the first set of projects for the New Zealand Cycleway. As the numbers of tracks grow, and cycle tourism increases, the numbers of jobs generated will increase," Mr Key said.

Mrs Cardno, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Clive Geddes, Central Otago District Mayor Malcolm Macpherson, Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks, Clutha District Mayor Juno Hayes, Invercargill City Mayor Tim Shadbolt and Environment Southland Chair Stuart Collie had written a joint letter to Mr Key to support the trail.

The letter said the councils see the cycle trail project as adding to the portfolio of complementary tourist attractions in the region, which provide visitors with a unique and high quality experience.

"It is clear to us that visitors will move across boundaries and value diversity, but will also want consistency in the standard and quality of what we offer. For those reasons, and because of the benefits of joint promotion, we believe that co-operation across all districts is an attractive option."

"The Otago Central Rail Trail is an excellent example of the broad economic, community development and job-creation benefits of cycling-related recreation investments. There are a number of additional cycle trails in development in this Southern region where similar successes can be replicated.

"We see this proposal as initially setting up a cycle trail which will form the backbone of a wider network of trails."

Mrs Cardno said it was also a great example of councils working together and would hopefully form the basis for doing more together as a group.

"It's a win-win situation for us all. The trail will be great for economic development throughout the region and will bring more tourists, who can visit the many attractions Southland and Otago are well-known for."

This trail would form the backbone from which future cycle trails could be developed, including from Lumsden to Invercargill/Bluff and from Lumsden to Gore/Catlins Coast.

Next steps in joint planning review process

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +1200

More than 220 people attended the nine Issues and Options held in Southland in June and July as part of the initial consultation stage of the Regional Policy Statement and Southland District Plan review.

Planners from the Southland District Council and Environment Southland have been working together to update the key documents, more than 10 years after they first came into force. The issues and options papers were the first round of pre-consultation.

Southland District resource planner Luke McSoriley said the feedback from the forums and the additional 57 comments that were received from individuals, key stakholders and other groups will now form part of an Issues and Options Community Debrief, which summarises key issues the community has raised.

"We are hoping to publicly release the Community Debrief during the week of 19 October 2009."

Environment Southland planner Walter Denley said the issues and options forums had given different communities, groups and individuals the chance to raise local issues that they wanted considered as part of the review.

Mr Denley stressed that people will have many more opportunities to be part of the review.

"This is just the start of the consultation process," he said.

The Councils agreed on the joint approach over a year ago because many of their issues are common to both regional and local planning. By working together, they are avoiding duplication and making it simpler for people to take part in the review of both the plans.

For more information please contact:

Walter Denley

Environment Southland

0800 76 88 45

OR:

Luke McSoriley

Southland District Council

0800 732 732

Preliminary work on cycle trail moves along

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southlanders will soon find out more detail about the Around the Mountain cycle trail.

Venture Southland community development group manager Rex Capil said MWH is preparing an engineering feasibility and construction cost study on the trail and this will assist in determining the possible route for the trail. This study is funded by the Ministry of Tourism.

"Venture Southland, the Southland District Council, Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council are at present working with the Ministry of Tourism on the development of this trail. The councils and Venture are also looking at a partnering trail from Lumsden to Bluff," Mr Capil said.

Once these details, the MWH report and a business case feasibility report are considered, meetings with the communities and businesses will be held to discuss the trail and possible input into its developments.

"There has been significant positive support from the Southland community for the trail and we are looking at ways that individuals and the community can help with the development of the trail, including employment opportunities and research into local historical sites," Mr Capil said.

"Sections of the proposed trail are already popular cycle tours, with about 1000 international visitors a year cycling from Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes and onwards. We are also aware that a number of cycle tourists ride from Kingston through to Te Anau or the Catlins.

"The quick start trail announced by the Prime Minister will hopefully build on this interest and provide a high quality experience for locals and tourists alike."

A final decision on the trail will be made once the Ministry of Tourism and the local authorities have finished investigating fully the merits and viability of it.

For more information please contact:

Rex Capil

Venture Southland

Ph: (03) 211 1406

Council urges decision on subsidy

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is urging the Government to make a decision on the drinking water subsidy scheme and make it soon. The Government announced last week it was putting the subsidy scheme on hold again to enable a review aimed at ensuring best use of the money in the scheme, which aims to improve drinking water supplies in small communities of fewer than 5000 people.

"This delay is definitely an issue for Council as it causes problems for our programmed work," Mrs Cardno said.

However, the bigger concern is that if the Government changes the rules, like it did with the sewerage subsidy, some of Southland's communities will miss out on funding.

"That really worries me, particularly as any changes will disadvantage communities that may not be in the high deprivation areas, but are certainly suffering at this time," she said.

The drinking water subsidy scheme originally had $117.8 million in funding for 10 years from 1 July 2006. About $30 million of that had already been given out and applications for a further $27.5 million in subsidies have been received for the current round.

Included in that are applications from Southland District Council.

The townships that have currently been approved for Stage 1 subsidy upgrades are:

Edendale
Wyndham
Riverton
Tuatapere
Ohai-Nightcaps-Wairio
Lumsden-Balfour

Most of these townships will be two stage applications and Council are concerned that the second stage may not get approved if the Ministry change the criteria to qualify for subsidy monies.

The cost of improvements which would be applied for in the second stage applications range from $100,000 to $600,000 for each of these communities.

Other townships that would be affected by changes to the subsidy rules are:

Otautau
Winton
Te Anau
Manapouri
Mossburn

The cost of improvements for these townships would be in the range of $250,000 to $1,000,000. These applications are in the initial stages of being compiled except for Otautau, which was to be lodged this month.

The Government is saying the review should be completed early next year and the programme is then expected to reopen with new critieria.

Feedback sought on Curio Bay draft plan

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Public comment is sought on the Curio Bay Recreation Reserve Draft Management Plan, which has just been released by the Southland District Council. Council reserves officer Leighton Hare said the plan is open for consultation for six weeks from 1 October. Copies of the plan are available for perusal at the Council area offices in Invercargill, Riverton, Otautau, Te Anau, Stewart Island, Lumsden and Wyndham. A PDF copy is also available on the Council website www.southlanddc.govt.nz

"The aim of the plan is to ensure the reserve is managed well and to set guidelines for its future use and development," Mr Hare said.

"It's important we hear from the general public about the reserve as it is becoming a very popular area," he said.

The Curio Bay Recreation Reserve is located between Haldane and Waikawa, about 88km east of Invercargill. It is on the south head of Porpoise Bay and adjoins the Curio Bay Scientific Reserve, which contains the petrified forest remains. This reserve is managed by the Department of Conservation.

Rock quarry granted consent

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

The Southland District Council has granted resource consent for a rock quarry in the Mataura Island area, after a hearing was held on 11 September. Idesia Investments Limited has been granted resource consent to take a maximum of 1,900,000 cubic metres of rock from a site at 47 Mataura Island-Fortrose Road, Mataura Island, with the consent having a maximum timeframe of 25 years, Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said.

The resource consent application was publicly notified, with a number of submissions being received, both in support and opposition. Key concerns expressed in submissions related to noise management issues, visual effects, management of heavy vehicle movements and the extent of monitoring which would occur.

The resource management committee closely considered the issues raised by submitters and its decision, Council has granted the consent subject to an extensive suite of 25 conditions. These include conditions to specify maximum numbers of heavy vehicle movements, maximum noise levels, maximum hours of operation, a minimum buffer from a nearby watercourse, requirements for landscaping and reinstatement, and ongoing monitoring.

There is a right of appeal to the Environment Court on this decision for the applicant and submitters, for a period of 15 working days from their receipt of the decision.

Proposed plan changes notified

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Two question and answer sessions on four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, relating to the Te Anau area, will be held in Te Anau in November. The proposed plan changes are being formally notified tomorrow (Saturday 17 October) by the Southland District Council.

Council resource management planner Luke McSoriley said the two sessions in Te Anau are to enable people to have any of their questions answered by Council staff.

The first session will be on Tuesday 3 November, from 4pm to 9pm, and the second the next day, Wednesday 4 November, from 10am to 1pm.

Mr McSoriley said three of these proposed changes are Council-initiated. The fourth proposed change has been initiated by private landowners who own land on the south-eastern periphery of Te Anau, which they are seeking to have rezoned under the District Plan.

The proposed changes follow on from the discussion document sent out to Te Anau ratepayers in June 2008, and previous public meetings held in Te Anau.

"Council received 244 responses to the proposals in that document and the three Council-proposed changes received a lot of support," Mr McSoriley said.

The first change seeks to expand the existing Urban Resource Area of Te Anau to incorporate recently consented residential developments currently sitting outside the present Urban Resource Area boundary. This will provide for future expansion near to the existing area.

The second proposed change seeks to expand the existing Industrial Resource Area and relates to an area east of the existing Industrial Resource Area. If approved, this will provide additional scope for future industrial expansion and will include a recently consented industrial subdivision/ development.

The third proposal relates to the creation of a proposed Lakeside Protection Area, which seeks to strengthen the height provisions in the current District Plan in relation to land close to the Lake Te Anau foreshore. Currently, the maximum height limit in the Urban Resource Area is 12 metres, but resource consent can potentially be sought and obtained for buildings higher than that.

"The proposed change would prohibit buildings and structures in excess of the 12 metre maximum, thereby sending a strong message that the community wishes to see development maintained at a maximum height of 12 metres beside the lake," Mr McSoriley said.

Council staff have prepared three reports which consider the alternatives, benefits and costs of undertaking each of the proposed Council-initiated plan changes, which are available on the Council's website and at the Council's Te Anau Area Office, 116 Town Centre Te Anau.

The private plan change seeks to rezone 120 hectares of land owned by T E and A Buchanan from its current zoning of Plains Rural Resource Area to Te Anau Residential B Resource Area, with two associated Scenic Protection Zones (the portions of the property closest to State Highway 94) to facilitate future residential development in this locality. The documentation related to this private Plan Change proposal is also available on the Council's website

The proposed changes have been approved for notification by Council's Resource Management Committee. They are available by clicking here.

Any party is able to submit in relation to these changes and be heard by Council if they wish to do so. Submissions close on 23 November .

English visits south

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Acting Prime Minister Bill English is to investigate Southland's roading issues after a meeting with representatives from Southland District Council and Federated Farmers yesterday. Mr English said he was happy to take up the issues raised with the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Mrs Cardno said the meeting was very helpful as both she and the Federated Farmers representatives were able to put their views and information across.

Federated Farmers spokesman Doug Fraser emphasised the importance of the rural road network to the New Zealand economy.

"Any shortfall in funding would have to be met by Southland ratepayers, particularly the farming community who pay 70% of the District Council's roading rate," Mr Fraser said.

Council has major concerns about the constrained funding from NZTA for its roading budget and has raised these at national level with Transport Minister Steven Joyce.

Of particular concern are the constrained funding for the reseal programme and the reductions to unsealed road maintenance and snow clearing.

"Mr English is our MP as well as being Finance Minister and so it is important he is fully aware of the issues we are facing here in the south.

"We are struggling to maintain our roads now and the constrained funding is going to hurt us and the Southland economy," Mrs Cardno said.

"We really appreciate the fact that Mr English took the time to come to Council and talk to us," Federated Farmers Southland provincial president Rod Pemberton said.

The group asked Mr English for help in finding solutions that could meet the needs of both parties.

Unqualified Annual Report adopted

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has received an unqualified Audit report to its 2008-2009 Annual Report which was adopted at a meeting yesterday. Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said she was proud to receive an unqualified audit report.

"It shows Council is on track and the people of Southland can have confidence in us," Mrs Cardno said.

Council chief executive David Adamson said the past year had been challenging with changes at both national and international level.

However, Council had continued to work towards making Southland a great place to live, with work completed on several local township projects, some of which are significant for the communities.

"Managing the District's roads continues to be a test, as it is our main area of focus and spending," Mr Adamson said.

"During the year, Council resealed more than 116km and rehabilitated 18km on our roads. A new route for Papatotara Coast Road was developed inland and a number of roads were resealed on Stewart Island.

"Together with maintenance activities, Council's overall expenditure on roading was $26.6 million compared to the budget of $23.9 million," he said.

Unfortunately, the New Zealand Transport Agency's cuts to funding have extenuated the problems and this is a major issue for Council.

Satisfaction with the performance of Council and its activities remains high and improvements in satisfaction in dog control, location of refuse stations and recycling centres, community development and the level of consultation are pleasing.

Council returned a net surplus of $4.6 million, less than the budgeted $14.4 million. This was because of a reduction in asset development revenue of $6 million, principally due to the timing of a number of water and wastewater projects. Other revenue was lower by $2.3 million, with the key reason being the old Waiau Airport had not yet been sold. There was also increased operational expenditure.

Regional CD organisation step closer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Southland's four councils are one step closer to one shared Civil Defence organisation for the region after agreement this week by Southland's political leaders, Invercargill Mayor and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chairman Tim Shadbolt said today. In a joint statement, the political leaders of the region's four councils explained the merits of the proposal. Mr Shadbolt said one shared Civil Defence organisation would lead to greater efficiencies, better use of resources and more services than are currently provided by the four councils acting individually.

Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council, Southland District Council and Environment Southland, in June this year, jointly commissioned a Civil Defence Review as part of the combined council group that looks at sharing services between councils.

The review, conducted by strategic consultant Janette Malcolm, concluded that one shared Civil Defence organisation should be formed. The organisation will be located at Environment Southland and will be jointly controlled by all four participating councils.

Mr Shadbolt said one shared Civil Defence organisation would benefit the province in the following ways:

Civil Defence would be better able to cope in an emergency;
The ability to have an integrated plan for the region.
Increased backup for key roles;
Higher specialisation of staff;
Less duplication of resources;
Improved financial accountability; and
Increased transparency and performance accountability.

"The proposal will go to all four councils for their individual approval before Christmas and it is hoped that the new organisation will be up and running before 1 April 2010," Mr Shadbolt said.

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said: "I am delighted - Southland councils have proven again how we can work together and achieve the best result for Southlanders, as well as lead the way for the rest of New Zealand."

Environment Southland Chairman Stuart Collie said the restructured joint Civil Defence organisation was the only logical way to proceed. "Emergency management has to be done on a region-wide basis to be able to provide the level of coordination necessary to mount an effective response."

Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks said: "It is a concept that makes sense. The time is right and it is good to see the Southland authorities working together."

New Papatotara Coast Road opened

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Goodwill and cooperation have been the base for the new Papatotara Coast Road, which was opened on Saturday by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English. Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno, who spoke on behalf of Council at the opening, said the entire project of relocating the road after storm damage would not have been possible without the cooperation of landowners, contractors, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Council.

Council chief executive David Adamson said the old road which ran along the coast was damaged by a storm in July/August 2007, with an estimate of $350,000 to fix. Consents were applied for, but before the work could begin, another storm in July 2008 caused significant additional damage to the road.

"The revised estimate for repair was $1,300,000 and the repaired road would still have been at risk from storm damage so Council decided to look at other options, including relocating the road using both existing land reserved for road and also across private property.

"The road needed to be fixed as it was access to the Hump Ridge Track and for farmers. It also provides access for any further development."

The option chosen utilised an existing track across land owned by Glenn and Tracy Thomas and land administered by Rowallan Alton Incorporation and cost about $950,000.

Council negotiated with the landowners and obtained consents and because of the goodwill of all parties, this process took only three months.

SouthRoads started work on the 5km of new road in mid November and access would have been available by Christmas if it wasn't for very wet weather in December. The road was open by the end of January and on budget despite the conditions on site being worse than anticipated, he said.

The work was done in three stages, with the first clearing the path through the bush and scrub. Stage two involved excavating drainage along the full length of the project, building up the road with bulk fill and then sub-base material. After about 70 percent of the sub-base was placed, the road was opened to traffic to allow it to settle and for soft areas to be identified. After three months, stage three saw the rest of the sub-base going on, particularly in the weak areas, and then a finishing layer was added.

"The road is appropriate for its use and the cooperation between all parties allowed us to do something innovative and quickly. As Mr English said at the opening, if this was happening anywhere apart from Southland, it would probably have taken much longer," Mr Adamson said.

About turn on cycle trail funding

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno and Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes are angry at what they believe is a backdown on funding the Around the Mountain cycle trail. "We were promised substantial funding from the Government as part of the Prime Minister's national cycle way and now we are being told to save money and find other funding," Mrs Cardno said. "It is of great concern that there is this major about-turn," Mr Geddes said.

"If we do this track it cannot be done on a piecemeal and sub-standard basis - it has to be done properly."

The 175km trail from Queenstown to Kingston via the Mavora Lakes was chosen as one of the seven "quick-start" trails in July by the Prime Minister John Key. Venture Southland has been managing the project.

National cycle trail project manager John Dunn has been in the south this week and has asked Venture Southland to look at ways to save money and options for co-funding and sponsorship.

The trail would be evaluated on its merits but a "portfolio of funding" rather than 100 percent by Government needed to be considered, Mr Dunn told the Southland Times.

Mrs Cardno said it was bad enough that roading funding had been reduced, but now southerners have to find money for the cycle trail.

"This was never our understanding and if it had been outlined as such, we may have reconsidered the Government's invitation to be involved as a quick start.

"Funding seems to be being taken away from Southland for everything. It is so frustrating.

Mr Geddes said the work that is being done at the moment shows that our cycle trail is on a par in pricing with the other cycle trails throughout New Zealand.

"This trail is a cycle trail, not a mountainbike track. It will be unique and iconic and pull in not only the local and national market, but also the overseas visitors as it goes through some amazing country. However, it has to be unique to ensure people return - we believe it will become known as the 'Milford track of cycle trails.'

"It will be really beneficial to the small communities and provide economic development to townships that have been hard hit by the economy, but it has to be done to the right standard.

"We don't want a second-rate product - it must not be compromised," he said.

It is a grade one ride, which will cater for young, old, families and overseas visitors. It will be a catalyst for spending money in the communities along the way.

A mountain bike trail is more challenging and usually sees a different type of rider who is in and out within a short period of time and spends little money so does not provide the same economic benefit to the communities as a cycle trail.

Mrs Cardno was also concerned about the ongoing delays as she believes there are real opportunities currently available for savings from the contracting business as it moves through the shoulder of the recession. These savings, and the contractors, may not be available next construction session.

"The south is also seeing a rise in unemployment at the moment and we want to be involving youth in helping to build this trail, as per the Prime Minister's initiatives.

"We feel utter frustration at this, and are sure the community does too, as we are virtually ready to start and have it opening next year," Mrs Cardno and Mr Geddes said.

Summary of submissions on proposed plan changes available

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300

A summary of submissions received on the four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, all relating to the Te Anau area, is now available to the public. 89 submissions were received in total, with 19 on the proposed expansion of the industrial resource area, 30 on the proposed expansion of the urban resource area, 18 on the proposed creation of a lakeside creation area and 19 on the proposed private plan change.

Three of these proposed changes are Council-initiated. The fourth proposed change has been initiated by private landowners who own land on the south-eastern periphery of Te Anau, which they are seeking to have rezoned under the District Plan.

The first change seeks to expand the existing Industrial Resource Area and relates to an area east of the existing Industrial Resource Area. If approved, this will provide additional scope for future industrial expansion and will include a recently consented industrial subdivision/ development.

The second proposed change seeks to expand the existing Urban Resource Area of Te Anau by incorporating recently consented subdivision developments currently sitting outside the present Urban Resource Area boundary into the Urban Resource Area. This will also provide some additional scope for future residential expansion.

The private plan change seeks to rezone 128 hectares of land owned by T E and A Buchanan from its current zoning of Plains Rural Resource Area to Te Anau Residential B Resource Area, with two associated Scenic Protection Zones (the portions of the property closest to State Highway 94) to facilitate future residential development in this locality.

People who have made submissions may make further submissions on the proposals and have until 22 January 2010 to do so. A hearing on the submissions will be held after that.

To see the summaries, please click here.

Shutdown on Lumsden Balfour water supply

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:43:56 +1300

Construction of the new rising main for the Lumsden Balfour Rural Water Supply is on schedule and to connect the new and existing pipe network, the scheme has to be shut down for two days. The shutdown will take place between the hours of 9am to 3pm on Thursday 10 December and Friday 11 December 2009.

All consumers need to make sure they have at 48 hours of water storage for their supply while the shutdown is enforced. The Lumsden township will not be affected by this shutdown.

Council apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause.

For any further information, please contact Tim Bain at the Southland District Council on 0800 732 732

Bruce Halligan new Group Manager

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council's resource management manager Bruce Halligan has been appointed Council's new Group Manager Environment and Community. Mr Halligan will start the new role on 1 February 2010. The role encompasses the regulatory services group manager position, which Lindsay McKenzie has held until his retirement this week, chief executive David Adamson said. Mr Halligan will also be in charge of the libraries and area offices, and rural fire and civil defence.

"I would like to congratulate Bruce on this senior appointment and I look forward to having him on the senior management team," Mr Adamson said.

Mr Halligan said he is looking forward to the new role, which he sees as part regulatory, part customer service and part public safety.

"I want to try to encourage an enabling approach to development in the District without compromising environmental and public safety standards."

The diversity of the role will be a challenge, both in the different functions and also in the physical size of the district as he wants to ensure he spends some time in Council's area offices.

"Our Area Offices are hugely important to our customer service within the district, as Council administers over 11% of the land area of New Zealand and we want to ensure that our services continue to be made available as locally as possible for our customers.

"Obviously, the ongoing effective delivery of civil defence and rural fire services is hugely important to the safety of our residents.

"Southland District's library and bookbus are consistently some of our services which rank highest in our customer satisfaction surveys; and are also important community focal points. Libraries nationally are experiencing a surge in activity and also our library staff have been proactive in managing new technology and increased demand for internet access."

However, Mr Halligan is looking forward to spending time in the district and using his knowledge of it.

"I am not into change for change's sake so I want to build on the existing strengths we have in each of the departments I am in charge of, and then seek to enhance some processes.

"I have worked in planning all my life and so I believe there will be some personal upskilling needed for areas I have not had previous involvement in under my current role, but I am excited about the challenges of a more diverse role. Being a Southlander born and bred, I hope my knowledge of the District will assist in the transition."

Feedback still wanted on waste collection changes

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Feedback is still wanted from Southland District residents about what wheelie bin system they would like. Southland District Council asset manager water and waste Ian Evans said Council is leaning towards the two-bin system - one for general rubbish and one for recycling, but nothing is set in stone yet. "We are really interested in feedback from users of the wheelie bin system. Council has been considering what number of wheelie bins should be provided and because of the cost had been thinking three bins would not be viable, but if people really want it, they need to let us know," Mr Evans said.

Invercargill City Council has been carrying out extensive advertising of the proposal to go to three bins in the city and some Southland residents have been contacting councillors and the Mayor to say they want three bins as well.

Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council have been working together to have a joint waste contract for the whole region. The proposal was originally to have three bins - one for recycling, one for green waste and one for general rubbish - everywhere, but the cost increase, which could be in the region of $200 per wheelie bin user for Southland District, was considered to be too high by councillors. Several submissions, both for and against three bins, were made during Council's LTCCP and Annual Plan process.

Council is also seeking feedback at the moment from people on the Te Anau wheelie bin route, as it is proposed to change collection day from Monday to either Thursday or Friday because of cost.

Mr Evans said a flyer has been sent asking residents to choose whether they want to keep Monday as collection day, with the probability of them having to pay extra for that, or to change to another day.

New online request for service

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council customers are now able to make a request for service online, thanks to an initiative launched in December. Customer services manager Janet Thomas said requests can be made on a diverse range of issues, from abandoned vehicles to potholes. "The online service now gives our customers another avenue to contact us."

Found under Online Services on the Southland District Council website, "all requests are actioned on the following working day and forwarded to the appropriate council member to follow up.

There is also the option to be contacted further in regards to the request," Mrs Thomas said.

"There are many benefits of this new service especially for those who live in isolated areas of the district. The service allows our customers easy access to council services and the opportunity to lodge a request for service any time of the day or night."

Different requests will have different priorities in the council system and therefore resolution timeframes will vary, Mrs Thomas said.

It is emphasised that for urgent matters customers should call 0800 732 732 direct any time so the issue can be dealt with immediately.

Large water and waste projects under way

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Several large water and waste projects are under way in Southland District, with a value of about $3.5 million. Southland District Council project engineer Bevan McKenzie said work will begin on upgrading the Ohai-Nightcaps water supply system soon. Contracts have been let for the water main upgrade between Ohai and Nightcaps and some additional tank storage at the Nightcaps reservoir site, Mr McKenzie said.

The contract, worth $548,621.75, has been accepted from Te Anau Earth Works Ltd. Work also continues on the Edendale-Wyndham water scheme, with Worthington Contracting winning the contract to construct the rising main at a cost of $496,851.72 and Timbertank Enterprises Ltd being awarded the contract to supply and construct the two reservoirs at a cost of $169,400.

Wells are in the process of being drilled and it is aimed to have the scheme operational by the end of March. Various contracts have been awarded for the construction of the treatment plant to a total of $825,647.94.

About 60% of the pipework for the water supply has been laid in Wyndham, with Edendale complete.

Meanwhile, about 80% of the pipework for the new sewerage scheme has been laid in Wyndham and connections to the scheme have begun in Edendale.

The Lumsden Balfour water treatment plant contract has been approved but is waiting for a signed agreement from the Ministry of Health which is expected to be finalised in February. The treatment plant project cost is approximately $1.3 million.

Te Anau Earthworks is in the process of completing the upgrade of the water tank farm for the Lumsden Balfour water supply at a total project cost of $164,000. This work included the disposal of the existing tanks, installation of the new tanks and related pipework.

Mine granted resource consents

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The Takitimu coal mine at Nightcaps has been granted resource consent for its expansion.

A joint hearing committee granted land use, water, to divert and discharge groundwater and stormwater, and to discharge contaminants to air consents after a joint hearing in Invercargill in January.

Hearing commissioner Allan Cubitt acted on behalf of Southland District Council as an independent commissioner as Council owns part of the land subject to the applicants. Environment Southland was represented by Crs Diane Wilson, Marion Miller and Neil McPhail.

Council's land use resouce consents were granted with 15 conditions attached and for 10 years. The Environment Southland consents were granted also with an extensive list of conditions. The discharge permit was issued with 11 conditions, the water permit issued with four conditions, the discharge permit for mine water, stormwater and coal wash issues with five conditions and the discharge permit for stormwater issued with six conditions. Environment Southland consents were also issued for a 10 year period.

All committee members visited the mine site as part of their consideration and closely considered all the issues raised, including dust management and the visual effects of the existing and proposed activities.

Applicants and submitters can appeal to the Environment Court for a period of 15 working days from the Council's decision.

Southland rugby supports Road Safety message

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland rugby clubs have partnered with Road Safety Southland in a bid to reduce drinking and driving in our community. This rugby season all Southland premier rugby players will feature the message "I don't drink-drive" on their jerseys. Road Safety Southland community advisor of road safety Jane Ballantyne said Road Safety Southland has used many innovative ways to communicate its messages but this partnership with Southland rugby clubs has to be at the top.

The promotion recognised the clubs are in the ideal position to help change attitudes towards drinking and driving in Southland, she said.

Road Safety Southland is excited about this opportunity to work alongside rugby."

Pirates-Old Boys representative Geoff Ryan said Pirates-Old Boys are proud to be associated with Road Safety and hope that the drink driving message will be taken up by all club players and supporters in Southland.

All other clubs in the premier league also said they were proud to be associated with this road safety message.

Last year there were 10 fatal crashes on Southland roads in which 13 people were killed. Seven of the fatal crashes involved alcohol.

Youth initiatives at SDC

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council will be focusing on some new youth initiatives after receiving funding from the Ministry of Youth Development. Council senior policy analyst Wayne Heerdegen said a youth forum will be held in June/July in Invercargill by the Southland, Gore and Invercargill Youth Councils.

"We have received $20,000 from the Ministry of Youth Development towards this project, which gives us the ability to put together something relevant to our youth in the south.

"The forum will identify, clarify and report to Southland councils the issues of importance for young people in Southland, and will assist with the development of leadership skills for them."

Specific issues or projects identified during the forum will then be developed further by a focus group under the supervision of the Our Way Southland Regional Co-ordinator.

"This is an opportunity for youth to influence outcomes and play a part in future development. We will be looking at developing what are and what should be youth priorities," Mr Heerdegen said.

Southland District Council has also received funding of $2000 from the Ministry to send three youth council representatives to the Youth in Local Government conference in Porirua later this year and a futher $500 to assist with Youth Week in May.

"It is important to develop youth leadership and this will all help with that and also with youth being involved in and understanding local government."

New library management system

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1300

A new library management system will go live for Southland District on April 8. District librarian Lynda Hodge said Southland District Council is part of a consortia, at this stage made up of Dunedin and Invercargill City Libraries, Southland District, and Queenstown Lakes/Central Otago District Libraries, and the group has bought the new system.

"What this means for our library users is lower operating costs for each of the participating councils as well as the opportunity of sharing library cataloguing information within a modern, sophicasted library management system.

"The Otago and Southland communities will be able to more easily locate and share books and other library materials," Mrs Hodge said.

Generally library users will notice few differences in the short term, except librarians will be checking and updating personal details.

However there is the capacity for much more detail such as covers, synopsis of content, and reviews and members will also be able to search the catalogue, read book reviews, place reserves and make requests - all from home, she said.

Those who do not have the Internet at home can come into the library and do this themselves or call 0800 732 542 and ask a staffmember to do this for them.

None of this wil cost more, with no charge for individual membership.

Holds will stil cost 50 cents per book (for anything within the SDC collections) and $3 for Interloans. Books will be issued for four weeks and can only be renewed once. All books not returned or renewed by the due date do attract overdue fees.

The "go live" date for all Southland District Libraries, including the bookbus, is Thursday April 8. Dunedin and Queenstown Lakes/Central Otago Libraries will follow Southland District in May 2010.

The implementation and ongoing oeprational costs of the Symphony system will also be shared by the participating Councils, spreading and reducing the costs to each Council. This is an extension of the reciprocal membership agreement already in place between Invercargill, Southland District and Gore Libraries.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the participating Councils provides a framework for the collaboration and governance through a steering committee with representatives from each Council.

Council wants feedback on contract cost allocation

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council wants feedback from users of its water supplies and sewerage schemes on how they want to pay for the increasing operational costs of those schemes. Council chief executive David Adamson said the water and sewerage operational contract had last been let 12 years ago, and Council is in the final stages of accepting the new contract.

"Because of the length of time since the last contract was let and adding in inflation and the economic situation, we had feared a much greater increase in cost. The actual contract to be let at the end of April shows a 16% increase on the operational costs of water and sewerage. Council is aware that this will still be a burden on ratepayers and we are looking at how we can lessen the impact," Mr Adamson said.

Council had identified the upcoming contract in last year's long term plan, which showed an increase in line with inflation as it had no better information available. Community boards, CDAs and water supply committees were made aware of the likely increase at local estimate meetings in February.

"Now that we have a cost to work with, it was felt appropriate to table a supplementary report at last week's Council draft annual plan approval meeting to seek councillor preference on how the cost is to be met, as the new contract is calculated on a cost per connection basis, which could result in a number of rating increases and decreases," Mr Adamson said.

The two methods to fund the increase detailed in the report were the two extremes - by connection or by an even percentage increase. The connection method, which is based on the way all contractors elected to price the contract, sees individual connection costs vary from a $162 reduction to a $215 increase depending on the scheme. The even percentage method is based on historical costs and ranges from an increase of about $9 through to $59 depending on the historical cost of the water and sewerage services within individual townships.

"The purpose of this report was to inform Council of the current state of play and Council rightly decided to further consult with its community boards, CDA subcommittees, water supply committees and the general ratepayers. A flyer is to be created and will be available online at www.southlanddc.govt.nz and in area offices.

"Those wanting to make comment are asked to make submissions to the Draft Annual Plan, with submissions closing on May 19," he said.

Council also requested a possible transition proposal be explored and staff are looking at the options of including this increase in either the coming financial year or in the following year.

"As with any rate allocation model Council recognises there are winners and losers. Council also recognises that submissions would probably favour the option that provides that scheme with the lowest cost, and wants to emphasise no decision has been made at this stage."

Council keeping options open on review

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council is keeping its options open on the review of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, which has highlighted two areas in Southland that could be investigated further for mining.

Senior policy analyst Rebecca Heerdegen recommended Council make a submission on the review and was seeking feedback from councillors. The areas for investigation are on Stewart Island and in the Longwoods. In addition, the Government is proposing to protect Burwood Bush Scientific Reserve.

Mayor Frana Cardno said she was gravely concerned about the whole review, not only in Southland but across the country.

"If we taint those areas, it will alter the way people feel about our country. Our tourism industry and its 100% Pure marketing campaign will be damaged.

"The best thing to do with Stewart Island is to make it into a big Ulva Island and people from throughout the world will search for places like that."

Mrs Cardno said she was not against mining in places like the Longwoods, but Council also had to take into account what its communities wanted and how mining could affect the water supplies.

Cr Diana Ridley said she had concerns about it too, but believed it is naïve not to want to find out what is under the ground.

"I would hate to see things that degradated Stewart Island but I am not unhappy about investigating what is there."

The majority of councillors said Council needed to keep its options open. The review is about investigating what is there, not about any actual mining. Councillors also noted that any mining proposal would have to get resource consent under the RMA, so the investigation would just be the first step of many before and mining could occur.

Cr Brian Dillon said he could see both sides of the argument, but things needed some consideration.

"We don't want to just throw things out. Deep Cove in Fiordland is a major tourist attraction and I don't see it as any different from mining as it is a big power station."

Cr Paul Duffy said the country needed to be careful.

"If you know what's in your grandmother's will you may look at your grandmother differently."

The draft submission will be presented to Council on April 28, with submissions closing May 4.

Fonterra rail resource consent approved

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Fonterra's resource consent application for additional rail facilities to service its Edendale dairy processing plant has been approved by the Southland District Council's resource management committee.

The application sought consent for a new rail siding and a new rail crossing over State Highway 1, about 650m north of the recently constructed dry goods store, and for 24-hour seven-day-a-week use of these.

The committee granted consent subject to 14 conditions after a hearing was held on March 29 and 30 in Invercargill.

Fonterra representatives had outlined at the hearing the siding and crossing would facilitate greater use of rail for transporting products, and would also significantly reduce the use of the existing southern rail crossing to the Fonterra plant over State Highway 1, in central Edendale.

Eight of the 10 submissions were oppposed to the application, with concerns expressed about potential noise effects, potential adverse effects from changes in road traffic movements which may be brought about by the new rail crossing over the state highway, adverse effects on existing amenity levels, potential adverse effects of vibration from train movements, and adverse effects on property values. The New Zealand Transport Agency, as administrator of State Highway 1, conditionally supported the application.

During the course of the hearing, the committee received expert technical evidence from the company's acoustic consultant on potential noise and vibration effects.

The extensive conditions imposed on the approved consent include detailed monitoring to ensure that all conditions, including conditions relating to noise and vibration, are compiled with fully.

Both the applicant and submitters can appeal to the Environment Court.

Draft Annual Plan approved

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council wants public feedback on issues in its Draft Annual Plan, including options for kerbside wheelie bin collection and adjustments to its roading rate model. Councillors approved the draft plan at an extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday. It is available online, and a summary document should arrive in every district mailbox by Friday, April 23. Submissions close on May 19.

Corporate planner Nicole Taylor said Council has been investigating waste management options for several years and prefers a two-bin system - one bin for recycling and the other for general rubbish - because of the cost.

"However, we want to know what our residents want. Do you want to stay with one bin, which will cost extra anyway because we have to negotiate a new contract, or move to two bins or three bins?" Ms Taylor said.

Southland District properties have also been revalued and Council is very aware of the impact of those revaluations on rates. However, it believes that its present rating system buffers some of the impact of high revaluations.

"Council has also made adjustments to various sectors' share of costs for the roading rate following tonnage and other input data updates, again to buffer some of the larger increases," she said.

But it is important that all residents have a say on the issues and Ms Taylor encouraged everyone to read the summary document when it arrives, or go online to read the full draft.

Council is proposing a District rate increase of 6.45 percent for 2010-2011 in its draft plan, slightly less than the 6.5 percent in the Council's LTCCP. This figure does not include local rates which vary for each area.

The draft plan details the differences from what was originally included in the ten-year plan and provides an update on various projects around the District's communities.

"It is important that residents let Council know what they think about the issues as the Draft Annual Plan is used to set the rates from July 1 2010."

Submissions will be heard by Council on June 15 and 16. Council will amend if necessary and adopt the Annual Plan on June 30.

Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura) Empowering Bill 2010

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council with the support of Eric Roy MP, being the Member of Parliament responsible for Stewart Island/Rakiura, is promoting legislation to enable a levy to be set and collected from visitors to Stewart Island/Rakiura. A copy of the proposed legislation is available below.

Read the Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura) Empowering Bill 2010

The legislation proposes a levy on visitors to Stewart Island/Rakiura for the purposes of meeting the costs attributable to visitors to the Island. As Stewart Island/Rakiura receives a high number of short term visitors (day visits) there is stress placed on the local infrastructure which is paid for by a very small rate base. Funding problems are exacerbated because major economic beneficiaries of visitors to Stewart Island/Rakiura are not within the boundaries of Southland District Council. The underlying problem is that local infrastructure and amenities are a common resource (public good) with few or no incentives on users or beneficiaries to provide or fund them. The proposed legislation therefore is designed to provide the most efficient and effective means of recovery whilst ensuring transparency and accountability for expenditure.

The legislation therefore will provide the Council with the power to make bylaws enabling the setting and collection of levies in respect to any person travelling to, or from, Stewart Island/Rakiura. With these funds then being used to ensure that the appropriate costs, infrastructure, amenities and services are met. To administer the levy, it is proposed by the Southland District Council to establish a subcommittee consisting of representatives from tourism industry, Community Board and District Council.

For additional information on the legislation you maybe interested to look at the:

1. Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) - The RIS sets out the background to the proposed legislation, international comparisons, impact of the levy on Stewart Island and wider economy, costs and benefits of the legislation, alternative options, framework for analysis and why the preferred option is to proceed with legislation.

Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy - Regulatory Impact Statement

2. Report to Southland District Council - Stewart Island Visitor Levy - Report to Council considering issues arising from Visitors to Stewart Island, options for addressing those issues, the proposal for a levy on visitors to Stewart Island. Provides detailed information on proposed legislation, views of the community, costs and benefits, legal implications.

Report to Council 30 September - Stewart Island Visitor Levy

Update on Roading Conditions No 16 (9.30am)

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Drivers are urged to exercise extreme care on newly opened roads as they may have been damaged by flood water and debris. Some roads still remain closed.

"Don't assume that because the water is gone the road is now safe," Southland District Council spokesman Peter Thompson said.

Te Anau is accessible via Manapouri, even though the state highway is closed because the Whitestone Bridge is out. Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri continue to be monitored closely as Te Anau is at 204.52m and rising very slowly and Manapouri is now 180.05 and rising slowly. More rain is predicted in these areas today.

The Mataura River is still very high and monitoring is continuing. There is still surface flooding on roads in the Taramoa Area. These roads are passable with care.

Roads that are closed or affected by flooding around the Southland District are:

ROADS STILL CLOSED

Mavora Lakes Road CLOSED

Mt Nicholas CLOSED

Kakapo Road (end of the road at the bridge) CLOSED

Benmore Stockbridge Road CLOSED bridge will require structural inspection.

West Plains Taramoa Road between Horwell and Taramoa Road CLOSED

Ferry Road in the Bay Road Taramoa area CLOSED

ROADS REOPENED THIS MORNING

Holz Road - Minor grading required

Fleming Road

For details on State Highways please contact Opus or check the NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz

To view a detailed map of closed roads within the District, please go to our Emergency Road Closures site.

Bridges, roads and drains under pressure from flooding

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Roads and bridges around Southland are under continuing pressure from the rising floodwaters in the province.

Heavy overnight rain has caused the majority of rivers and streams in Southland to rise, with some at flood levels.

The water is now going across roads and bridges, with at least 15 roads closed as of 3.30pm, Southland District Council assets and services group manager Cameron McIntosh said.

"Roads are becoming impassable quicker than can be checked so we are advising all motorists to stay at home. Please only travel if you really have to and exercise extreme caution at all time."

Particularly hard hit is the Te Anau basin, with the Key-Blackmount Road the only way to reach Te Anau. However, that road still has water over it and extreme caution is needed.

Several roads around Te Anau are closed and stormwater is putting some pressure on the pumping systems.

However, the oxidation ponds are safe and water levels in the nearby Upukerora River have dropped since this morning.

Communication with Te Anau has been out since mid-afternoon when it is believed a telecommunications fibre-optic cable was damaged as a result of the floodwaters.

The Fire Service and Fulton Hogan are trying to drain streets around Winton, with flooding running into some buildings in the township. Flood levels in Winton are diminishing due to a decrease in rainfall.

Stormwater drains outside the Senior Citizens' Building in Riverton have been blocked and have caused some flooding and the road is flooded on the north side of the Main and Lieman Streets corner in Otautau.

Users of the Lumsden Balfour water supply have been told to both boil and conserve any water they use for at least the next 24 hours as floodwaters have entered the supply system.

More rain is expected to fall through to about 6am tomorrow and the rivers will continue to be monitored by Environment Southland.

For further information please contact:
Cameron McIntosh
Southland District Council
Ph (0800) 732 732

Urgent notice to Tuatapere, Lumsden-Balfour and Eastern Bush Otahu Flat water users

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Tuatapere residents are asked to urgently conserve water and to boil the water they do use until further notice.

Lumsden-Balfour residents are also asked to boil and conserve water.

Eastern Bush Otahu Flat water supply uses are also reminded they should boil any water they are using as well.

Downer EDi new maintenance contractor

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Downer EDi Water has been awarded the Southland District Council's water and wastewater operations and maintenance contract.

Council accepted Downer's tender at Wednesday's Council meeting in Invercargill.

Council asset manager water and wastewater Ian Evans said he was pleased with the awarding of the contract but also wanted to acknowledge the work previous contractor Fulton Hogan had done.

"Fulton Hogan has managed our water and wastewater operations for the past 12 years and has done a good job," Mr Evans said.

The tender process, which started last year, attracted interest from a number of parties. Following a detailed evaluation process an expert panel recommended the appointment of Downer Edi which has similar experience of such contracts across New Zealand.

Downer EDi scored highest in the evaluation process. All tender prices for the 12-year contract were within 7% of each other, demonstrating that the pricing is accurate.

The new contract sees an overall increase of 16%, much lower than was originally expected. Community boards, CDAs and water supply committees were made aware of the likely increase at local estimate meetings in February.

One road reopened

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

One road has reopened this afternoon, but two remain closed in the Central Southland area because of flooding and its after-effects.

West Plains Taramoa Road, between Horwell and Taramoa Roads, has been reopened with flooding signs put up because of surface water, Southland District Council area engineers manager Peter Thompson said.

Cox Road is closed between Collinson and Pullar Roads, and the Benmore Stockbridge Road remains closed because further inspection is required to determine the stability of the bridge piles. This cannot happen until water levels have dropped further and so the bridge will be blocked with barriers.

Manapouri foreshore consent granted

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has been granted resource consent to undertake some native vegetation clearing and earthworks on the Manapouri Foreshore.

Independent commissioner Allan Cubitt, of Dunedin, granted the consent with 17 detailed conditions after a hearing was held in Te Anau on April 7 and 8.

Council group manager environment and community Bruce Halligan said Mr Cubitt had been engaged to ensure objectivity in the decision-making process, as Council was the applicant and it would be inappropriate for Council's resource management committee to also be the decision-maker.

The purpose of the proposed works is to maintain key viewshafts to the lake, as previously identified in the Manapouri Foreshore Reserve Management Plan, and to establish additional parking in the Frasers Beach area.

The resource consent application drew nearly 100 submissions, with about three-quarters of these in support or conditional support. Several opposing submitters expressed concerns regarding the environmental effects of the proposed activities.

Mr Cubitt granted the resource consent until 2030, subject to the 17 conditions. He excluded several areas with more significant existing native vegetation from any modification and he required provision of a detailed pest weed management plan, detailed controls to minimise potential for soil erosion, and provision of a landscape plan to mitigate the visual effects of the roading work.

The applicant and submitters can appeal this decision to the Environment Court within a period of 15 working days from the decision being released.

Samoan Language Week 2010

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

'O la Tatou Gagana Samoa i Nui Sila'

From May 30th - June 5th, it's Samoan Language Week 2010 and New Zealanders are being encouraged to get involved.

The Samoan community is the fourth largest ethnic community in New Zealand after Pakeha, Maori and Chinese and the Samoan language is the fourth most commonly spoken language in New Zealand.

Many organisations in New Zealand are getting involved and marking the week including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and Creative New Zealand, just to name a few. With Southland becoming more culturally diverse, the Southland District Council is also getting on board.

If you would like more information on Samoan Language Week 2010, please visit the Samoan Language Week website or go to the Samoan Language Week Facebook page.

81 submissions on Draft Annual Plan

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has received 81 submissions to its Draft Annual Plan, with submissions covering 25 different topics. Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said 25 of those submitters indicated they wanted to speak to their submission. "It's great to see the number of people interested in our annual plan process.

"As expected, kerbside recycling and the funding of our new water and wastewater maintenance and operations contract are the hot topics, with 35 comments on recycling and 24 on the contract.

"Roading and the funding of roading work remains high on the list for comments, with 30 comments received on roading and transport issues, including the proposed cycleway."

Council staff are now summarising the submissions, getting staff comment and getting them out to councillors to read before the hearings next month.

Submissions closed on Wednesday and will be heard by Council on June 15 and 16.

The final plan will be brought to Council for adoption on June 30.

Council encourages consideration on Gypsy Day

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Everyone on the road is encouraged to show consideration on Gypsy Day, June 1, Southland District Council roading engineer Rochelle Leach said. Traditionally June 1 is the first day of the new dairy farming season when a large number of stock movements take place in Southland. Ms Leach said in the past some Southland roads have been covered in waste from cows and so Council is keen to encourage both farmers and truck drivers to think about avoiding waste getting on the road.

Council has clear guidelines on the correct procedure to follow for Gypsy Day and copies are available from all Council offices or on the Council website.

All stock should be stood down before they are moved, back roads should be used where possible and trucks should be emptied at designated effluent dump stations (temporary facilities have been arranged by ES throughout Southland and a list is available from their website).

Farmers need to be aware of droving conditions, too, with a permit needed for droving stock further than 10km and in urban areas.

For distances shorter than 10km and not in urban areas, farmers don't need a permit but do have certain conditions, particularly to do with visibility and stock numbers.

Other people on the road should also be aware that there might be stock on the road and be considerate of it, Ms Leach said.

"Let's keep the roads safe and clean and try to better past years," she said.

Cycle way still progressing - slowly

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Around the Mountain cycle trail is still being worked on, albeit with slow progress. Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson said Venture Southland had been maintaining pressure on the Ministry of Tourism for funding. "However, we are only getting $4 million from the Government so we are going to need to stage the trail, with the first section from Walter Peak to Mossburn being created first," Mr Adamson said.

The national funding will cover the construction of that section, but Venture, Council and all other parties involved, including the communities along the trail, are adamant the rest of the trail will be built as well. The full economic benefit of the trail will not be recognised until the whole trail is completed, a point the Ministry appears to be missing.

"Staff and various groups are working hard to find ways to raise the rest of the funding, which is about another $7 million. The Government has changed the goalposts on us and we are working on modifying everything as quickly as possible to adapt to their changing demands," he said.

Mr Adamson hoped the whole project would be more of a partnership where all parties could see the full benefits of the project and work collectively to achieve a completed end result. The current philosophy appears to be to spread resources far and wide, which is not likely to achieve the Government's initial objectives, he said.

The Around the Mountain trail is a flagship trail and will provide a basis for other southern trails to lead off from.

The multi-day experience is a must for economic development and the section from Mossburn to Lumsden and then up through Athol and Garston and Kingston is seen as just as important as the first section.

To date only about 10km of new tracks in Prime Minister John Key's national cycleway has been constructed from the $50 million fund set up for the project a year ago. The souther trail was one of seven "quick-start" cycle trails.

"Southland District Council, Venture Southland and all other local organisations associated with the project are committed to turn this project into reality as we all believe it is so important for New Zealand and Northern Southland," Mr Adamson said.

He hopes that Central Government and local interests can align to deliver on the vision originally contemplated.

Drivers risking their lives

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

People are risking their lives when they remove barriers on the closed Benmore Bridge and drive over it, Southland District Council engineering manager Peter Thompson said. The bridge was closed during the floods in late April-early May and remains closed because further inspection is required to determine the stability of the bridge piles. This cannot happen until water levers have dropped further. We do not know whether the bridge is safe or not and we haven't been able to get to the piles to check them," Mr Thompson said.

"I can understand the frustration of people living on the other side who see a bridge there which looks perfectly okay, but we don't know if it is. We are having an engineer inspect the piles today so should know the extent of the damage shortly.

"I can also understand that a 25km detour is frustrating, but it's simply not worth the risk for the sake of saving a few kilometres."

Council has received reports of people moving the barriers to drive across and also of people vandalising the bridge barriers and closure signs. Both issues have been referred to the police.

"We are urging people to take the barriers seriously because we would hate to see someone hurt or killed if the bridge fails in any manner," Mr Thompson said.

"People are also committing an offense and will be prosecuted by police if caught removing barriers or signs".

Councillors discuss submissions to Draft Annual Plan

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The sustainability of rating increases, the roading rate, waste and wastewater contract funding and kerbside recycling were some of the key issues talked about by Southland District councillors at an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss submissions to the Draft Annual Plan.

Mayor Frana Cardno said submitters at Tuesday's hearing threw incorrect figures around about rates increases.

"We have a complicated rating system because we have given decision-making ability to our Community Boards and CDAs. The District rate increase of 6.45% is just one part of our rating system as we have several local rates for each area.

"It's not easy to give specifics but some ratepayers will have an overall rate increase that is less than 6.45& and some will have slightly more," Mrs Cardno said.

"We have tried very hard to save money and last year trimmed $3 million off corporate costs and we don't have a forestry dividend.

"However, the most important part in all of this is that roading costs are the main reason rates continue to increase and that increase cannot be compared to the CPI because the cost of bitumen and gravel are not part of the CPI.

"With our large roading network, we continue to struggle to meet the needs of basic maintenance and our funding from national level continues to reduce."

Changing to two wheelie bins, which includes a separate bin for recycling, was a major discussion point.

Council was originally in a regional partnership with Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council for a three-bin/two-bin system, but issues have arisen and Council now is looking at negotiating its own contract.

At the meeting Council agreed to retain funding in the budget for the two bins at an estimated cost of $1.87 million. The Council will be working with contractors to finalise details and costs before the new service is introduced.

Cr Jim Copland said he supported the two-bin system with the proviso that the recyclables can be used.

"It's beneficial for Southland to be seen to be recycling for our image. It's the right thing to do."

Cr Brian Dillon said he favoured the current situation with drop-off centres for recycling. Most people keen on recycling will take their recyclables to the drop-off centres.

"Ultimately education is the way to go. If you provide a service that picks up everything, you don't go down that path because you take the thought process out."

Group manager assets and services Cameron McIntosh said there will be a cost increase, even if Council stays with the one bin.

"We have to change, the contract has expired. The cost between one and two bins will be similar."

The Council's final plan which will be adopted on 30 June will increase wheelie bin rates to $204 for urban areas and $252 for those on rural collection routes.

The Council also decided that it would now charge water/wastewater operating and maintenance costs according to the number of rating units there are across the District with every rating unit paying the same amount. This means that properties in different parts of the district will pay the same amount for operating/maintenance contract related costs. Previously they paid different amounts based on historical costs for each scheme.

Of the twenty four submissions received on this, 13 favoured a rating unit basis and six favouring an even percentage where the 18% increase in contract costs was added on top of historical costs. People also remarked on how this was similar to the water and sewerage clubbing proposal put up in last year's Long Term Plan.

The last contract was awarded 12 years ago and the new contract reflects the changes in costs and processes for the contractor.

Mr Adamson said further discussion will be held on clubbing at next year's strategic retreat, so this is probably an interim process.

Cr Brian Drummond said he supported a per connection basis as it was better for the small towns like Ohai, Nightcaps and Wairio.

"There's no way you can put an 18% increase on those towns. You may as well as shut the towns downs."

Stewart Island levy bill under way

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council (Stewart Island Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill 2010 had its first reading in Parliament last night and now goes to the Local Government and Environment Committee. Council senior policy analyst Wayne Heerdegen said this legislation will give Council the power to set and collect a levy from visitors to Stewart Island. The levy will be used to help pay for infrastructure, services and amenities that are used by visitors.

"At the moment, the cost of things like toilets, walking tracks and other amenities is paid for by the 400 residents and ratepayers on Stewart Island," Mr Heerdegen said.

In the short and long term the trend is for increasing visitors to Stewart Island, in particular through cruise ship visits. One cruise ship planning to visit has capacity for 1400 people.

All of this activity requires the adequate provision infrastructure, facilities and amenities to ensure that visitors have an authentic experience that does not strain the resources of Stewart Island, he said.

"A reliable, fair and efficient way of ensuring the cost of visitors is not unfairly borne by residents and ratepayers alone is through a small levy ($5) payable by visitors to Stewart Island. Visitor levies or similar charges are common in Europe and the United States."

Stewart Island residents and ratepayers will continue to fund their share of infrastructure and services.

It is intended that the levy will be administered by a subcommittee of Council, consisting of tourism/transport operators, community board members and district councillors, and the committee will ensure the industry and community can monitor the levy and set priorities for how the revenue will be spent.

In collecting the levy, Council intends to work with operators to ensure costs and minimised and where appropriate reimbursed.

Stewart Islanders, Southland District residents and ratepayers and all of New Zealand will be entitled to review and comment on the proposed legislation when the legislation is considered by the select committee.

"Council and the Stewart Island Community Board want to thank Invercargill MP Eric Roy for the successful introduction and first reading of the bill," Mr Heerdegen said.

Allocations committee grants more than $75,000

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:25:18 +1200

A total of $76,412 has been granted to various Southland organisations through the Southland District Council allocations committees which met recently. Venture Southland community development manager Rex Capil said an increase in demand for funding has been noticed over the past year.

"There may be a time in the near future where some hard funding decisions will need to be made," Mr Capil said.

When that happens, applications for things like repair and maintenance may be declined.

Cr Lyall Bailey suggested the community development fund and the amenity fund be combined into one pot of funding.

"The allocations committee needs to be smart with the way it spends the funding."

A report will be drafted and brought back to the committee.

Changes have already been made to the way funds are allocated, in particular the SPARC Rural Travel Fund and the Creative Communities New Zealand Scheme. Venture Southland's Angela Newell said the creative communities scheme would no longer fund grants for equipment.

Allocations made:

Amenity Fund: Waianawa Centennial Hall Incorporated $1,000, Riverton Community Board $500, Otautau Lions Club $500, Lochiel Public Hall Society Incorporated $500, Central Southland Youth Centre Incorporated $250, Central Southland Community Swimming Pool $1,000, Dipton War Memorial Committee $1,000, Lumsden Lions Club $500, Real Journeys - Fiordland Community Events Centre $250, Te Anau Tennis Club $1,000, Balfour Squash Racquets Club $1,000, Athol District Hall Committee $1,000, Edendale Rugby Club $250, Tokanui Bowls Club $250, Tokanui Memorial Hall $1,000, Tokanui Rugby Club $250, Southland Heritage Building Preservation Trust - Sinclair Miners Cottage - Nightcaps $1,000, Colac Bay CDA $250, Mokoreta and Redan Promotions Group $1,000, Riverton Senior Citizens $250, Mossburn Community Pool $5,000. Total: $17,750

Community Development Fund: Sport Southland $1,500, Venture Southland - ILT Kidzone Festival $1,600, Child Protection Studies (CPS) $1,000, Destination Fiordland - Te Anau Project Group $1,000, Stewart Island Players $450, Southland Rural Heritage Trust $500, Southland Heritage Building Preservation Trust - Sinclair Miners Cottage - Nightcaps $1,000, Colac Bay CDA $1,000, Drummond Scout Group $1,000, Otautau Lions Club $1,500, Takitimu District Pool Society Limited $1,000,

Southern Naturally Incorporated $500, Dipton War Memorial Hall Committee $1,000, Edendale Community Baths $1,000, Mokoreta and Redan Promotions Group $1,000, Tokanui Memorial Hall $1,000, Waikawa Museum and Information Centre $1,000, West Catlins Preservation Incorporated $750, Tourism Catlins $1,000, Balfour Squash Racquets Club $1,000, Riversdale Playcentre $1,000, Mini Movers – Athol $1,500, Northern Southland Development Charitable Trust $1,500, Lumsden Community Board $1,000, Mossburn CDA Subcommittee $750, Northern Southland Creative Arts Inc $1,000, Te Anau Tennis Club $1,000, Riverton Senior Citizens $1,000, Riverton Community Board $1,500, Waianiwa Centennial Hall Incorporated $1,000. Tutal: $32.050.

Northern Southland Development Fund: Dipton Swimming Club $1,000, Dipton War Memorial Hall Committee $1,400, Mini Movers – Athol $1,350, Garston Playgroup $1,000, Northern Southland Development Trust $1,000, Northern Southland Creative Arts Incorporated $1,000, Lumsden Lions Club $1,000, Lumsden Community Board $1,000, Mossburn CDA Subcommittee $750, Westridge Walkway $500. Total: $10,000.

SPARC Rural Travel Fund: SGHS rugby, football $350, SBHS hockey, rugby, football $750, CSC rugby, basketball, rugby league $750, NSC hockey, netball $500, Mossburn Hockey Club $750, Te Anau Rugby Club $750. Total: $3850.

Creative Communities New Zealand Scheme: Manapouri Arts Group $600, Invercargill Garrison Band $80, Invercargill Garrison Band $700, Northern Southland Creative Arts Inc $750, Dan Davin Literary Foundation $1,100, Lower Mataura Country Music Club $500, Southern Guild Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Southland aka, Creative Fibre Southland $700, Balfour Theatre Company Inc $1,000, Otautau Patchwork and Craft Group $100, Otautau Patchwork and Craft Group $240, Stewart Island Players $450, Southland Art Society $662, Southland Art Society $700, Stewart Island Garden Club $200, NZ Association of Teachers of Singing $400, Southland Competitions Society Inc $800, Performing Arts Competitions Association (PACANZ) $830, ILT Kidszone $1,000, Southland Festival of the Arts $500, Southland Arts Conference $1,050, The Polish Association of Christchurch $400. Total: $12,762.

$4 million from Government for cycle trail

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Government has agreed to spend $4 million on the first stage of the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail and Southland District Council will discuss the agreement at its meeting on Wednesday June 30. Venture Southland group manager community development and events Rex Capil said the Ministry of Tourism's funding committee has recommended that Council be approved to partner with funding to construct stage one of the cycle trail.

"That has been accepted by the Ministry of Tourism and so if Council agrees, a maximum total of $4 million plus GST will be given from Government towards the construction of stage one - from Walter Peak to Mossburn," Mr Capil said.

"Funding investigations to secure funding to complete the Trail from Mossburn to Garston to Kingston are ongoing and will become a priority over the next 12-18 months. Preliminary discussions have been held with the Community Trust of Southland and the Lottery Grants Board and the opportunity exists for local service group engagement and project assistance. It is estimated the capital funding balance required to complete the trail required is $4 million," he said.

The Around the Mountail Cycle Trail must be branded as forming part of the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail as one of the conditions for the Government funding.

"There has been considerable regional resource - human and financial - in developing this project to this stage. The opportunity now exists to advance the project from the concept development stage to construction and operational," Mr Capil said.

Once the agreement is signed, there is still a considerable amount of planning and preparatory work to be undertaken prior to construction, which is aimed to begin in late 2010.

It is anticipated the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail Stage One from Walter Peak to Mossburn will be open for the 2011-2012 visitor season and will be in a position to be actively promoted at TRENZ in Queenstown in May 2011.

$1.5 million saved by Council

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has saved about $1.5 million on estimates for two major roading contracts. Group Manager Services and Assets Cameron McIntosh said a contract for sign maintenance and a second for reseals have been awarded and the tender prices have come in considerably lower than expected. "The savings of over $1.5 million on the two contracts is good news for Council. The estimate for reseals was $5,218,500 and the winning tender was $4,462,424, a savings of $756,076. The estimate for this year's signs maintenance contract was $1.6 million and the winning tender was $885,208, a savings of $714,792," Mr McIntosh said.

Six tenders were received for the signs maintenance contract, with a $600,000 difference in price from the lowest to the highest. Sealcoat Central Ltd won the tender for the three-year contract.

While Sealcoat is based outside of Southland, it will need to establish staff in Southland to undertake this contract. It has successfully run contracts in the North Island, Mr McIntosh said.

"We are very pleased with the price, but it is important to note that the present contractor, Hawkins Building and Contracting Ltd and its staff, has provided excellent service in the past 11 years and we still have a high level of trust and respect for them," Mr McIntosh said.

Two tenders were received for the resealing contract for nearly 140km of Southland roads. Blacktop Construction Ltd won the tender. Blacktop is a new contract for Southland District but has successfully undertaken contracts for Gore District Council.

APAC committee chair Cr Lyall Bailey said Council has an obligation to accept the tender with the lowest weighted score, provided the successful contractor demonstrates an ability to carry out the work to Council standards.

"Sometimes this means a local company, which is the incumbent, may miss out, purely because of cost."

Under NZTA requirements, Council is obligated to seek out the best possible price.

Annual Plan adopted

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has adopted its 2010-2011 Annual Plan. One further change was made on Wednesday at the Council meeting to adopt the plan, with councillors voting to transition the costs of the new wastewater and water operations and maintenance contract in over two years. Council had originally planned to allocate the costs on a per connection basis this coming year, but on Wednesday agreed to transition the changes over two years. Previously costs were allocated on a scheme basis.

Cr Lyall Bailey said bringing in all of the costs in the 2010-2011 year would see Te Anau and Winton paying considerably more and he was not comfortable with that.

Cr Diane Ridley said transitioning the extra costs in would give "everyone a little win" and would also enable communities to look carefully at their local rates next year before the full cost came in.

Meanwhile, Council will be looking towards a two-bin kerbside recycling programme, as long as the cost of the contract is not prohibitive.

Council was originally in a regional partnership with Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council for a three-bin/two-bin system, but issues have arisen with the other two councils.

Council has a budget for the two bins for an estimated cost of $1.87 million and staff will be working with contractors to finalise details and costs before the new service is introduced.

Happy Valley Road Closure

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Happy Valley Road will be closed today, Tuesday 3 August, for emergency work, following the collapse of a culvert. The road will be closed between Harrison Road and Whyte Road, about 12.5km from the Tuatapere end of Happy Valley Road and about 5km from the Pukemaori end. The closure is only for one day.

Court case highlights need for vigilance and responsibility

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:50:41 +1200

A recent court case in Invercargill has highlighted the importance of being vigilant and responsible when lighting fires, Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said.

Southland farmer Murray Maxwell was left with a $500,000 firefighting bill after a fire broke out on his property during December, 2008. As a result of the fire, 588ha of land was burnt including more than 250ha of significant conservation land and 4ha of neighbouring farm land, as well as some structures and fences.

Mr Grant said people need to plan for and be aware of numerous factors when lighting a fire, such as the length of time a fire can burn for and what the weather is forecasted to be.

"We are coming up to the equinox, for example, which will mean the weather will tend to be windier, warmer and drier," which will increase the risk of a fire escaping.

The type of fire season is important too, with a restricted fire season meaning a fire permit is required before lighting a fire in most cases, he said.

Mr Maxwell's permit, however, had expired several weeks previously, make the "fire unlawful," Mr Grant said.

This highlights the requirement for people to make sure fires are extinguished by the expiry dates of the fire permit.

"It is necessary for people to take full responsibility and plan ahead when lighting fires and in Mr Maxwell's case, he didn't."

"The person who lights the fire is responsible and liable for any damages and costs incurred if something goes wrong. Authorities and other affected parties can take action to recover costs and damages caused by fire."

Although it was rare for the authority to lay charges, it was essential the public realised the importance of acting lawfully and responsibly, Mr Grant said.

CEO's contract renewed

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson has kept his job for another five years. Council human resources manager Henry Pipkin said Council resolved at Wednesday's meeting to reappoint Mr Adamson for another five years, starting from 22 January 2011, when his present contract expires. The chief executive position has to be advertised every five years or seven years if the contract is extended under the Local Government Act 2002.

Seven candidates, including Mr Adamson, from throughout New Zealand and including one from the UK, applied for the position, Mr Pipkin said.

Mayor Frana Cardno said she was pleased Mr Adamson was reappointed.

It was an easy decision because David's application was of exceptional quality, portraying his vast experience in local government.

"Council is very happy with his performance and we feel things are going well under his leadership," Mrs Cardno said.

Mr Adamson said he was very pleased to be offered the position and greatly appreciated the confidence that Council had in him, the organisation and staff. He hoped the next five years will continue to build on those of the past.

He has been Southland District Council chief executive since January 2003.

Warning for dog owners

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Dog owners are being advised to ensure their dogs do not wander during lambing and calving season, Southland District Council compliance officer Paul Bell says.

"We're giving dog owners the heads up to not let their dogs go wandering around their neighbourhood. If they are running among stock, they may be destroyed by the farmer or anyone he chooses as his representative."

Farmers have been known to destroy roaming dogs after catching them around their stock and "they are in their rights to do so."

"It has happened in the past," Mr Bell said. "Owners should keep an eye on their dogs or contain and confine them to their property so they cannot freely leave."

"There will be dog rangers constantly patrolling around the district."

Mr Bell also reminds owners to make sure their dogs are registered for the 2010/2011 year, as rangers will be inspecting properties for unregistered dogs from the beginning of September.

"If any unregistered dog is found at a property, it can be removed, as well as the owner being issued a $300 fine for being in possession of an unregistered dog."

"Or alternatively, you can spend the $30 and go into a Southland District Council office and register your dog before September," said Mr Bell.

Council backs retention of services

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council on Wednesday affirmed its unanimous support for the retention of neurosurgery services at Dunedin Hospital.

Mayor Frana Cardno said Council was very concerned that Southland might lose this service, which has been running well and saving lives for many years.

"Not only is it essential that people in Southland and Otago can access neurosurgery services in a short time, but it is also very important families are able to be with the patient."

She also reiterated that because of remote terrain and the activities that happen in Southland, rescue helicopters may have already spent some time to rescue the injured person so having to travel further that Dunedin could be the difference between life and death.

Council believes there are many good reasons for keeping neurosurgery at Dunedin Hospital, including ensuring other services are not lost as well, and only bad reasons to have it shifted to Christchurch.

"The depth of feeling in the south is huge. It tells you something when all eight Mayors of Southland and Otago are in complete agreement to fight to keep neurosurgery services at a special meeting of the panel and the eight Mayors in Dunedin next week.

Council also encourages the public to make sure they are heard at the public meeting with the panel at Stadium Southland at 2pm on September 2.

Forest Hill Foundation backed

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The Forest Hill Foundation is taking concerns over its investigations into making the Forest Hill reserve a fenced predator-free zone seriously and is keen to work with all parties to resolve them.

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno, who is patron of the Foundation, met with foundation trustees and Department of Conservation representatives yesterday to discuss various issues that had been raised in a letter she received from a concerned Southlander.

"I am satisfied the Foundation is on the right track. It is there for all people and the trustees acknowledge the issues and will be working through them with the people concerned," Mrs Cardno said.

"A huge amount of work has been put in by the volunteers who are all passionate and believe the Forest Hill area is significant not only for Southland but also nationally. Making it pest-free and bringing back the native flora and fauna, including the birds, will not only make it another attraction for Southland but also a place where children can learn about New Zealand's native species."

The trustees are planning to continue discussions with adjoining landowners soon and work through to formal memoranda of understanding with them. This will include trying to find solutions to any concerns.

One of the concerns raised was charging for access to the reserve. That was just one of many ideas the trustees have been considering to pay for ongoing maintenance but nothing has been decided.

"Southland has a lot of successful trusts which are united in their vision and I am sure this trust is the same," Mrs Cardno said.

"Successful trusts must have trustees committed to their vision and this trust does contain neighbouring land-owner representatives."

Department of Conservation Southland conservator Barry Hanson, who was at yesterday's meeting, said the Forest Hill Foundation is one of the most committed and hard-working trusts that DOC works with.

"In our view the restoration potential of that site is unrivalled in mainland Southland," Mr Hanson said.

"It's a vision worth working hard for."

Healthy debate and discussion always happens when people feel passionate about their environment and most trusts experience that, he said.

Erik Barnes new Group Manager

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has a new Group Manager Services and Assets. Chief executive David Adamson said Erik Barnes will replace Cameron McIntosh, who is moving to the Invercargill City Council. Mr Barnes has been based in Christchurch as the Manager Antartic Programme with Antartica NZ for the past four years. In that role he has been responsible for managing Scott Base and its science and non-science programmes and so has oversight over a diverse range of contracts, including telecommunications, aircraft, engineering and services.

Mr Barnes holds tertiary qualifications in science, majoring in environmental science, and in electronics. He previously managed Western Washington University's Outdoor Centre, and also worked for the US Air Force and as a mountain guide.

He and his wife have two children aged four and one, so family is one of his key interests, along with running, swimming, skiing and climbing.

"Erik has shown with his previous positions strong decisive strategic leadership and has a raft of attributes suitable to this role," Mr Adamson said.

"It will be a steep learning curve for him coming into local government and we will ensure he has the appropriate induction programme to bring him up to speed as quickly as possible."

Mr Barnes said: "I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to work in local government.

"Southland's guiding principle of "People First" and the focus of sustainability in the vision are guiding principles in my own life.

"I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and am very excited to be working in such a wonderful environment and supportive team. I can't wait to move south!"

Mr Adamson was impressed with the quality of the 25 applicants for the group manager role.

Mr Barnes will be starting at the Council in mid-October.

Roading programme approved

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has approved its roading programme for 2010-2011, with the key driver ensuring the road network is developed and maintained strategically. Council strategic manager transport Joe Bourque said $26.8 million, including funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency, is to be spent on Southland roads and related services this coming year. The budget is split so that 39% will be spent on maintenance and 61% on renewals to maintain an agreed level of service. Council has approved some 17km of rehabilitation and approximately 138.3km of resealing, Mr Bourque said.

"The bridge renewal programme is still being developed at this time," he said.

"This follows on from a difficult 2009-2010 year, where funding was reduced by NZTA and budget constraints were made. In spite of that a carry forward of $1.4 million into this financial year was from constrained spending and doing more with less."

"This is a remarkable outcome and affirms we are well on the road to recovery and can deliver a staunch capital recovery without compromising our service level performance," Mr Bourque said.

Council will undertake an economic network framework development to provide the ability to decide on how best strategically invest and support Southland's future.

"It is envisaged this will enable Council to make transparent decisions around investment in current levels of service and forecast growth. It will also work in with District planning and contingency planning to cover future risk," Mr Bourque said.

Two staff heading to Christchurch

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Two Southland District Council building control officers fly to Christchurch tomorrow to help out after Saturday's earthquake. Building control manager Kevin O'Connor said Lyndon Paul and Lance Patterson fly out on the first flight tomorrow morning, along with Invercargill City Council inspectors. "They will be up in Christchurch for a minimum of three days and we may rotate staff depending on need," he said. "I believe they will be assisting with inspecting residences."

Council chief executive David Adamson said he had made the offer of staff help to all three affected councils on Saturday.

Council has also registered two of its engineers through Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) which has been calling for offers of assistance and has said there are also practical engineering technicians available if needed, Mr Adamson said.

Inclusive Communities Strategy working well

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Good progress has been made on the action points included in the Southland District Council's Inclusive Communities Strategy.

Group manager environment and community Bruce Halligan said the strategy was created after submissions to Council's Annual Plan asked Council to look at issues relating to people with disabilities. Council decided to widen the strategy from people with disabilities, to making our communities more inclusive for all, with the focus being on people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

The draft strategy was sent out to various groups with positive feedback received and then staff set to work.

"We have put some good runs on the board, including the following:

Incorporating disability awareness into the Council induction programme
Reviewing Council's website for ease of use and e-government standards
Including a list of Southland District walkways, parks and areas of interest that have wheelchair access on the website
Gathering a register of interested people/groups to consult with regarding inclusiveness
Undertaking an accessibility stocktake of townships, council facilities and community housing
Training the building team on barrier free building
Incorporating disability access into the parks and reserves policies
Building a list of individuals and groups who can help communicate with customers in sign language, Braille and other languages, for example
Reviewing disabled parking through the District

These items and more are either well under way or finished," Mr Halligan said.

However, it is important that Council continues to review the relevancy of both the strategy and the action plan, and after 18 months of them being in place, it is a good time to do so now, he said.

"We are looking at what we have done and what we could be looking at in the future and we want input from the community. Things we could consider are a seniors' council, getting grants for providing wheelchair-accessible swings, making equipment available or IT upgrades for a talking website. Obviously we don't have funding for everything, but we still want to hear from you.

"We want to hear from people and groups in the community about what they want and/or think Council could do," he said.

Feedback can be sent to Inclusive Communities Strategy feedback, Southland District Council, PO Box 903, Invercargill or emailed to ics@southlanddc.govt.nz by 29 October.

Ratepayers reminded about rates rebate scheme

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council wants to remind Southland ratepayers that some of them may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2010-2011 year.

Council finance and customer service group manager Phil Culling said low income earners paying rates for their home could be eligible for up to $570 off their rates and is urging people who think they could be eligible to talk to Council rates staff to find out about the scheme.

"The rebate is calculated on the person's income, rates and number of dependants, with the income eligibility $22,340. However, if you earn more than that, you still may be entitled to a rebate, depending on the total cost of your rates and the number of dependants you have," Mr Culling said.

Those applying must be living in the home they are paying rates for as of 1 July 2010 so they must be the legal ratepayer. The Government-funded rebate scheme is not available to those who property is a farm or is used principally for commercial, industrial or business purposes or is a rental.

Application forms are available from Council or can be downloaded from www.ratesrebates.govt.nz

Applications are through Council. Applicants will need their verification of income including:

An IRD Summary of Earnings and that of any spouse/partner or joint home owner who lives with them for the tax year ended 31 March 2010. This can be requested from IRD by phoning 0800 257778.
Income from investments should also be supported by interest and dividend certificates.
Rating information.

Snow hits Southland hard

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The weekend's snow storm has affected large parts of Southland and more is yet to come, Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said.

"It has hit our southern areas quite hard and farmers are working to save stock. The problem is that it's not over yet, with more bad weather predicted until Thursday," Mrs Cardno said.

"But I know Southlanders are a resilient lot and will pull together to support and help each other," she said.

Fallen branches and trees are blocking the Waikawa Valley and Tokanui-Haldane Roads at the moment and crews are inspecting them. The Southern Scenic Route from Owaka to Niagara remains closed but is being inspected.

Meanwhile, the collapse of Stadium Southland on Saturday was shocking and a great loss to all of Southland, Mrs Cardno said.

"We are so very lucky that no lives were lost.

"It's really important to get behind both the present and the past stadium trustees, a group of volunteers who have given their time freely and worked diligently to provide us with such a fantastic stadium.

"The stadium belongs to all of Southland and has provided us with many memorable moments. There's a lot of work ahead but I am sure the rebuilt stadium will give us many more and it's important we all club together to restore this brilliant facility."

Some Southland roads closed

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Several Southland roads have been affected following the weekend's wintery blast, with large dumps of snow falling in various parts of the South.

Roads affected

The Chaslands Highway from Owaka to Niagara remains closed because of snow and will be reassessed later today.
The Waikawa Valley Road and the Tokanui-Haldane Road are closed because of fallen trees. These will be worked on this afternoon.

Work starts on fixing island slips

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council is using a mixture of traditional and green engineering to fix the series of landslips on Stewart Island.

Area engineer for Stewart Island Irwin Harvey said the 11 slips affected several roads and occurred three years ago during a large storm.

"It has taken some time to actually carry out the work to fix the slips because of several reasons, not least funding. We also had to consult with the Department of Conservation and Environment Southland about the introduction of the willow being used in the living retaining walls and we had to get resource consent from both ES and SDC," Mr Harvey said.

After geotechnical investigations, final designs were agreed on and six sites were approved for bio-engineering - the installation of brush-layer living retaining walls.

That work began in early August and is now close to completion, Mr Harvey said.

The traditional engineering solutions for the rest of the sites involve retaining and anchoring into base rock, with associated soil stabilisation and rehabilitation.

Meyer Construction Ltd was awarded the tender for this work and will begin in late September.

A total of $900,000 has been allocated to complete the remediation work of all 11 slips and Mr Harvey is confident the end total will be within this budget.

Two bins for Southland ratepayers

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council ratepayers will move to a two-bin rubbish and recycling service in May next year.

At present all urban domestic ratepayers within a prescribed boundary have one bin for all their waste.

The current service is also available to rural ratepayers who can access designated pick-up routes on a voluntary basis.

In May two 240-litre bins will be provided - one for recycling and one for other waste, excluding green waste.

Council asset manager water and waste Ian Evans said Council agreed to award Bond Contracts the contract for kerbside collection service and the operation of the transfer stations, recycling drop-off centres and greenwaste sites at this month's APAC meeting.

Council also agreed to be part of the agreement between the Invercargill City Council and Southland Disability Enterprises for the procurement and operation of the Southland regional materials recovery facility.

These decisions follow several years of joint investigations with other Southland councils about the options for recycling and at ways of reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

In the 2011-2012 Annual Plan it was proposed to standardise the charge so both urban and rural properties using the service would pay the same amount and that cost is likely to be $236 a year excluding GST.

Staff are now working on establishing the urban boundaries and also setting out procedures and policies for how the new system will work.

Information on the two bins will be sent out to ratepayers within the next few months.

"Details on what can be recycled will be included in this information, but if anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Council water and waste team on 0800 732 732," Mr Evans said.

Council looking at ways to help out farmers

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council wants to work with the Southland Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers to see how best it can help farmers hit hard by this week's storm. Chief executive David Adamson said council representatives will attend a meeting which is being organised by the support trust on Monday to look at how to help.
Donation boxes will be also be put in every Council office around the province next week, Mr Adamson said. "Farmers that are struggling and worried about their rates can come and talk to us and we will look at ways we can assist them."

Staff are also looking at other ways they can help, he said.

Mayor Frana Cardno said the storm has hit Southland hard, with some farmers reportedly having lost between 60% and 80% of their lambs.

"Calls for help are coming in and we are looking at what we can do, but we want to work with the trust and other groups to do the right thing."

Mrs Cardno said she had talked with Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt and Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks and they had all agreed to open the Mayoral Relief Fund.

The details were just being finalised, she said.

Use your right to vote

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Now is the time to use your democratic voice and have your say about how Southland District is going to be managed for the next three years, Southland District Council electoral officer Phil Culling said. "By voting in the upcoming elections, you will be deciding who you would like to represent you in your community for the next three years, from your mayor to your community board members," Mr Culling said.

It will be these select representatives that make the decisions on your behalf which is why it is so important to vote and express your views before the close off date of noon, 9 October 2010.

Taking part contributes to how vital decisions will be made in your community and what direction it will head. By voting, you can essentially help shape these decisions, he said.

"It's a big deal."

"The beauty of democracy is that people have equal right to have to their say and no one vote is worth more than another. The final outcome will reflect what most people think in the community.

"The most important thing, however, is getting people to vote. It is essential for people to act now if they want their voice to be heard. This chance only comes around once every three years," Mr Culling said.

Southland residents poorly prepared for emergencies

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland is constantly at risk from natural disasters that can cause disruption, property damage and even death, yet a recent survey shows most aren't well prepared to cope with an emergency.
The phone survey on behalf of Emergency Management Southland showed that two thirds of residents have no plan for coping in an emergency. The most common reason for not having a civil defence plan is simply not having thought about it. Next week is national Get Ready Week and Emergency Management Southland is using the opportunity to reinforce the importance of preparation to Southland residents.

Emergency Management Southland staff and volunteers will be at selected supermarkets around the region throughout Get Ready Week to talk to customers about the need to be prepared and give practical advice.

New World South City, Invercargill, 8.30am - 5.30pm, Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 October
New World Gore, 8.30am - 4.30pm, Thursday 14 October
New World Winton, 9.00am - 4.00pm, Friday 15 October
Fresh Choice Te Anau, 8.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday 16 October

Neil Cruikshank, the region's civil defence controller and Manager of Emergency Management Southland, said people tended to assume they would always have easy access to shops, but as last month's snowstorm and the Canterbury earthquake showed, supermarkets are just as vulnerable to disasters as any other building. "That's why families need to have enough essential supplies to cope on their own for up to three days or longer," Neil said.

Fortunately, the local picture is not all bad, but there's considerable room for improvement.

The results from the Southland survey showed that over half the population does have non-perishable food and a torch in their home for use in an emergency. However, under half have bottled water and a first aid kit while a staggering 15% of residents have no emergency supplies ready at all.

Radio is the most reliable way of receiving civil defence messages, and every home should have a battery-powered radio, but only a quarter of younger residents and families with children said they had this essential item.

Emergency Management Southland encourages all Southlanders to make a household emergency plan and put together an emergency survival kit and a getaway kit ready in case of evacuation. Plans need to include dependants such as elderly or disabled relatives, as well as pets and livestock.

There's more information about preparing for emergencies on the Ministry of Civil Defence's website www.getthru.govt.nzand Emergency Management Southland's website www.civildefence.co.nz

For further information contact Michele Poole, Environment Southland Communications Coordinator,
03 211 5115 or 021 784964

SDC Office open on Saturday for votes

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The Southland District Council office in Forth Street, Invercargill, will be open from 9am to 12noon tomorrow (Saturday 9 October) for people to make special votes in the local government election. Electoral Officer Phil Culling said special votes will be the last opportunity for people to have a say in the way their community will be managed for the next three years. "You will be deciding who you want to represent you in your community for the next three years, from your mayor to your community board members," Mr Culling said. It will be these representatives that make the decisions on your behalf which is why it is so important to vote and express your views before the close-off time of noon."

Cardno back as Southland District Mayor

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Frana Cardno is back for her seventh term as Southland District Mayor. Mrs Cardno received 6,783 votes, with her challenger Rod Young receiving 1,643. This is based on 98% of the returned voting papers being counted. Special votes and voting papers returned today are not included.

Council will have a new councillor, however, with Stuart Baird receiving 522 votes in the Wallace ward. Incumbent Brian Drummond received 308 votes.

For all Council election results, including Lumsden, Riverton-Aparima, Stewart Island, Te Anau, Tuatapere and Winton Community Boards, please click here http://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/2010-election-results/?stage=Live

Poisoning of trees shocks Council

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The poisoned trees in Manapouri will be taken out and replaced with other plantings along the foreshore.

Group manager Environment and Community Bruce Halligan said Council and staff were very upset by the poisonings and the culprits would not achieve their desired results as the trees would be replaced quickly.

"It's very disappointing that someone could do this and Council does not condone this behaviour at all," Mr Halligan said.

None of the poisoned trees were trees which were planned to be removed under the authorised resource consent held by Council, as they are mostly large beech and other ecologically important species.

Mayor Frana Cardno said the poisoning had been "an act of public vandalism." It had been placed in the hands of the police to try and identify who was responsible.

"The community can't afford this," Mrs Cardno said. "Apart from the fact that it can't afford the money, it can't afford what it's doing to the community either."

There has been ongoing debate for several years over the management of the reserve and a foreshore management plan was created about five years ago after lengthy public consultation.

Council had applied for consent under the Resource Management Act and also following the guidelines of the plan to clear some of the vegetation along the foreshore to allow for viewing of the lake.

That had been approved through an extensive public process and by an independent commissioner and Council was working on meeting the conditions at the moment.

The people who have taken matters into their own hands when this was all happening are to be deplored.

"It's so disappointing and sad to see this ripping the community apart," Mrs Cardno said.

Consents value goes up

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The number of building consents may be decreasing but the value of them has more than doubled.

127 building consents were issued in September, compared to 203 in September last year. However, the value of this year's September consents was $10,808,111, compared to last September's value of $5,149,819.

Southland District Council building control manager Kevin O'Connor said all types of consents had increased in number in September from the previous year except for miscellaneous category, which had decreased from 107 to 43. The 107 spike for miscellaneous consents during 2009 was associated with consents issued to connect to the new Tuatapere and Edendale sewerage schemes.

"New dwelling consent numbers were reasonably steady for September 2010 along with additions to dwellings and farm buildings. The significant increase in farm building value seen from $311,491 during September 2009 to $2,841,958 this year can be attributed to consents issued for four larger scale dairy winter sheds, which seem to be an increasing trend around the region at present" Mr O'Connor said.

For the year so far, 409 consents with a value of $22,358,114 have been issued, compared to 598 consents, valued at $22,014,419, this time last year.

Te Anau Plan Changes now operative

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Three changes to the Te Anau provisions of the Southland District Plan have been approved by the Southland District Council. The plan change process has been progressing over 2009 and 2010 and aims to provide for a more co-ordinated approach to emerging environmental issues and growth pressures in the Te Anau Basin. Council senior policy planner Luke McSoriley said no appeals had been received to the decision to accept the plan changes and so the District Plan will be deemed to be amended from 8 November 2010.

Plan Change 5 has resulted in an expansion of the existing Te Anau Industrial Resource Area and will cater for future industrial growth in the township, while also incorporating recently consented development.

Plan Change 6 expands the Te Anau Urban Resource Area and incorporates recently consented residential developments, while providing scope for future urban expansion in the township.

Plan Change 7 has resulted in the creation of a Lakeside Protection Area which limits the potential for high rise development on the Te Anau lakefront.

Two-bin service to start 1 May

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has begun work on setting up its two-bin recycling and rubbish collection system which will start on 1 May 2011. Council's water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said Council had agreed to move to the two-bin system in its Annual Plan 2010-2011 after several years of consultation and discussion. The current contract for the wheelie bin collection is coming to an end and in order to fulfil obligations towards minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill, Council has resolved to replace this with the new two bin service.

Staff began sending letters to ratepayers last month informing them of the changeover date. The service is compulsory for those living within designated boundaries and whose property contains a residential dwelling, and voluntary for other ratepayers within those boundaries as well as ratepayers in rural areas. Voluntary recipients are being asked if they wish to sign up for the new service and if so would they wish to receive additional bins over the minimum of one recycling bin and one rubbish bin.

Letter have been sent to ratepayers outside the designated boundaries who already use the existing service and those who live near a scheduled pick-up route. However, Mr Evans said any ratepayer can have the bins if they are able to take to one of those designated pick-up routes. If ratepayers do not receive a letter but are interested in receiving the new service they are encouraged to contact Council on 0800 732732.

"I want to emphasis that the two-bin service is not additional to what ratepayers have now. It replaces the old one-bin service. Equally the estimated cost of $236 plus GST per year is not additional to what ratepayers now - that cost replaces the old charge," Mr Evans said.

"Council is charged with reducing waste to landfill and the new service will do this as all the items put in the recycling bin will go to Southland disAbility Enterprises Limited for sorting and recycling."

The new service will enable a more extensive range of materials to be recycled than current facilities allow, and will enable people with disabilities to have gainful employment. In addition proceeds from the sale of the recyclables will be shared back into the community.

Council believes it is important to let ratepayers know about the change, but also needs to find out bin numbers for the contractor so they can start to order the new bins as well as working out their own logistics.

More information on the service, including delivery days and what can be recycled will be sent out in the New Year and the new recycling bin will also have a sticker about what can be recycled on it.

"We are getting calls and enquiries and many of the questions are the same. A list of Frequently Asked Questions have been added to the Council website www.southlanddc.govt.nz, but if you do have questions, please feel free to ring 0800 732 732 and talk to our customer service officers."

eDay - Clean up NZ's computer waste

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:49:32 +1300

eDay is a drive-through recycling event which gives you the opportunity to recycle old computers or mobile phones in an environmentally sound way. eDay 2010 is taking place on Saturday 6 November at over 40 centres across the country.

You can dispose of:

computer hardware
monitors
networking equipment (e.g. modem, routers, hubs)
scanners
keyboards, mice, speakers
laptops
printers
game consoles
toner and ink jet cartridges
mobile phones
fax machines
digital cameras

Venue: Invercargill - Southland Woolbrokers, 815 North Road, Invercargill
Venue: Gore - Gore Transfer Station, 24 Toronto Street, Gore

The Lumsden NSTH depot is also accepting computer equipment for recycling. Contact NSTH Lumsden for more information.

Decision on neurosurgery great news

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is thrilled by the news neurosurgery services will remain and be expanded at Dunedin Hospital.

A report on neurosurgery has been released today and says the service will stay in Dunedin, rather than being centralised to Christchurch. It also states that a board will be set up to govern the entire South Island service, and the board will be chaired by Professor Andrew Kaye, the head of department of surgery at the University of Melbourne and Director of Neurosurgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. At least three neurosurgeons will eventually be based in Dunedin.

Mrs Cardno said she and the Council were extremely pleased to see that the people of Otago and Southland have been listened to.

"Southland and Otago people united in the fight to save the neurosurgery unit in Dunedin and this result shows the power of people coming together. It is fantastic news."

The importance of the Otago School of Medicine's neurosurgery research unit has also been recognised and there is the potential for the unit to become a foremost centre for neurosurgery.

However, she also issued a warning as she believes the people of Southland and Otago will have to continue working together like this to save other possible services that could be lost.

"We must show our allegiance together otherwise our voice will be lost," she said.

SDC reviewing building policy

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The Southland District Council is proposing to amend its earthquake-prone building policy to mitigate future risk following the devastation of the Christchurch earthquake.

Council has approved a proposed Earthquake-prone and Dangerous/Insanitary Building Policy options for public consultation and is calling for public submissions. The submission period openend on Wednesday and closes on 28 January, 2011. The proposed policy can be viewed at www.southlanddc.govt.nz.

Building Control Manager Kevin O'Connor said the policy must be reviewed within five years of its original adoption and in place by March 2011.

"The damage to unreinforced masonry buildings in both the 2007 Gisborne earthquake and more recently in Christchurch was certainly a timely reminder for us all," he said.

"The council's existing earthquake-prone building policy takes a passive approach to structural upgrade in line with minimum requirements of the Building Act.

"Given there are approximately 200 buildings which have the potential to fall within the definition of an earthquake-prone building in the Southland District Council's area, we need to be promoting a more active approach."

Whilst the proposed amended policy may result in an economic impact to the owners of at-risk buildings in either strengthening or mitigating the hazard, statistics showed comparisons relating to seismicity could be drawn.

"Some areas in Southland, including Te Anau, Milford, Riverton and Winton, have comparable and even greater seismic risk that Canterbury or Gisborne," Mr O'Connor said.

"It reinforces the need to take a more active stance in regard to earthquake strengthening and the level of strengthening."

The introduction of timeframes for earthquake strengthening of identified buildings was the major change to the amended policy.

Buildings identified as potentially earthquake prone in the lower risk/least importance category will have 30 years to take action to strengthen or remove the hazard by demolition while those deemed the highest risk/most important will have 15 years. There is provision for extension of up to three years if substantial progress has been made by the owner.

The amended policy also recommends building consent applications for significant alterations to buildings identifies as potentially earthquake prone must be accompanied with a structural assessment. Where a building's strength is determined as 33 percent or less of current requirements, strengthening to at least 67 percent of the code will be required as part of the alteration work.

Mr O'Connor said estimates showed that increasing the strengthening requirement from 33 to 67 percent increases costs by approximately 10-15 percent whilst significantly increasing the buildings earthquake stability.

"However, there is potential for indirect economic benefits to the wider community in that there would be significantly less disruption and potential damage to at-risk buildings in the event of an earthquake," he said.

"You just have to look at the damage suffered in the central business areas of Christchurch to realise how devastating it can be. A relatively small additional cost can raise the standard of public safety significantly in such buildings.

"We also need to consider the risk to life from these buildings."

Since the magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck in September, the Christchurch City Council has also reviewed its earthquake-prone building policy to increase the minimum strengthening requirement from 34 percent to 67 percent.

Council staff planned to undertake a review of the Southland District's building stocks from July 2011 to determine potentially earthquake-prone buildings before the proposed alteration and timeframe provisions are introduced in July 2012.

To make a submission and to see the document in full, please follow the link: http://southlanddc.govt.nz/consulting

Achievements highlighted in SDC Annual Report

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

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.

Nominations sought for vacancies

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Nominations are being sought for the extraordinary vacancies on the Edendale, Wallacetown and Wyndham Community Boards.

In October's Local Government elections, only five people were nominated for the required six seats. Due to the lack of numbers, new nominations are being sought for the above Community Boards until 23 December 2010.

To find out more information and to see the prescribed requirements, please follow the link: http://southlanddc.govt.nz/public-notices/

Total Fire Ban declared

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

A total fire ban is in place for all of Southland and parts of the Clutha District covered by the Southern Rural Fire District from 8am tomorrow (Saturday 18 December).

Southern Rural Fire Authority principal fire officer Mike Grant said the ban means that no-one can light any fires in the open and also suspends all existing fire permits.

"People with large piles of debris still burning should be looking to extinguish these immediately," he said.

"The only exception to the ban is for gas barbecues and cookers in properly constructed containers and in safe areas."

The fire ban also applies to all townships within the Southland District, Gore District and Invercargill City and also prohibits people in these towns from burning rubbish, using incinerators, or cooking outdoors with open braziers.

The continued hot and dry weather coupled with warm windy conditions means the fire risk is high to very high throughout most of Southland.

While some rain is forecast over the next few days it is not predicted to be sufficient to significantly drop fire danger levels.

"With weather conditions predicted to continue and reduced vegetation moisture, it will rapidly push the fire danger into the extreme range," Mr Grant said.

"The ban has been imposed for public safety".

The Te Anau basin and northern Southland is particularly dry, with large areas of grassland drying rapidly. Dry and dead vegetation creates more fuel for fires making fire fighting more difficult and dangerous.

Significant rain is needed over an extended period before the ban would be lifted.

Activities such as chain sawing or using machinery like mowers or tractors, are also potentially hazardous, he said.

"Anyone using machinery in dry grass should have water on hand to dampen down the area beforehand and to extinguish any sparks," he said.

"If areas continue to dry out, restrictions could be imposed on activities which have a high risk of causing fires."

Call for nominations

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The Southland District Council is calling for people in the Wallacetown, Wyndham and Edendale communities to take a part in leading their towns into the future.

Electoral Officer Phil Culling said no nominations have been received so far for the byelections in the three townships. In the October local government elections, only five nominations were received for the six places on each of the three community boards in the towns.

"No, none at all and nominations close next Thursday (December 23)," Mr Culling said.

"It's important people get involved and this chance is for you to have a say in the running of your town."

A few nomination packs have been sent out, but Mr Culling urged people to get their nominations in as quickly as possible.

"We only need one for each of the town's community boards so put your hand up and make a difference."

Vandalism posing a great risk to safety

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Vandalism in parts of the Southland District has the potential to risk lives, Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss says.

"Bridge weight restriction signs have been vandalised and defaced, particularly in the Wallace area," Mr Voss said.

These signs are significantly important so that drivers know exactly what weight a bridge can and cannot hold without compromising safety and the bridge's structural integrity.

Failure to know this information could have dire outcomes, he said.

"Any such act could have serious consequences including injury or even death and any person found responsible would be prosecuted accordingly," Mr Voss said.

New system for treatment plant

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Ohai-Nightcaps will have a new water treatment system, the first of its kind in Southland, next year.

Southland District Council project engineer Bevan McKenzie said Council has accepted tenders from Pall (NZ) Ltd and Marshall Projects Ltd to be main contractors in the upgrade of the Ohai-Nightcaps water treatment plant.

"It will be the first membrane plant built in Southland and we decided to go with this technology because the cost of it has dropped significantly over the years and is now affordable," Mr McKenzie said.

Membrane plants are used throughout the world and have been tried and tested over the past 15 to 20 years. The system gives higher quality water with less chemical use.

"In the past only big cities have been able to afford this kind of treatment but we have been monitoring the costs of it and they have reduced markedly," he said.

The existing water scheme at Ohai-Nightcaps has been identified for major upgrade work because it is unable to meet the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards.

The scheme upgrade is divided into three parts - the water treatment plant, the water main upgrade from Water Road-State Highway 6 junction to Nightcaps reservoir, which is completed, and the water intake upgrade.

The entire project will cost $2.2 million and will receive Ministry of Health funding.

Fire ban to be lifted

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The total fire ban covering the Southern Rural Fire District, excluding the Naseby area, is to be lifted on Monday at 8am after this week's rain eased the fire danger.

Southern Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Elton Smith said a restricted fire season will be imposed across Southland, but the total fire ban is still in place in the Naseby area.

The restricted season means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire. Permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Those who light fires in the open are responsible for making sure the fires are safe and do not spread, Mr Smith said.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property or has to be put out by the fire service or rural fire crew," he said.

Fires should never be lit when conditions are windy, or strong winds are forecast.

Authority staff issue permits, and it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Smith urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

No election needed for community boards

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Wallacetown and Wyndham Community Boards will have a full board for the next three years after one nomination was received for each of them in the recent byelection.

Electoral Officer Phil Culling said no election is needed as each of the boards had one vacancy and the two nominations filled them. Stephen John Geary is the new board member for Wyndham and Rae Wilson is the new board member for Wallacetown.

"Unfortunately we did not receive any nominations for the vacant seat on the Edendale Community Board," Mr Culling said.

"The board can now co-opt someone on to the board."

The nominations closed for the byelection on December 23 2010.

Fire on southern coast under control

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Fire crews have several fires under control around the area of a fire which destroyed part of Rarakau Lodge near Tuatapere on Saturday night.

Southern Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Elton Smith said three helicopters, three tankers and six ground crews are working on keeping multiple fires under control at the end of the Papatotara Coast Road, about 6km from Tuatapere, this morning.

The fires originated from last night's fire which destroyed a building at Rarakau Lodge, the accommodation from which many people start the Hump Ridge Track.

A car at the car park for the track was also destroyed and about 12 others damaged by heat and fire. A shed and tractor were also damaged by the fire.

Mr Smith said trampers on the track had been asked to stay put for the day, not because they were in any danger from the fire, but because of the work being carried out by firefighters to prevent further spread of the fire.

Trampers are not allowed to enter the track today because of that work.

"The fire is still burning from yesterday and will continue to burn for a few days. It is contained at the moment and fire crews are making it as safe as possible to protect further property," Mr Smith said.

The fire was reported about 6.30pm last night and the cause and the origin are under investigation.

It is estimated about 50 hectares has been damaged.

Milford Community Association seeking representative

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:24:20 +1300

The Milford Community Association is seeking nominations for a representative to serve on the Milford Community Trust.

The Milford Community Association is seen as an informal association which provides a forum for consultation and interaction between the Milford Community Trust and the Milford Community.

The Milford Community Association Trustee has two key roles, being:

1. A member of the panel who recommends to the Southland District Council who should be appointed as the four appointed Trustees and the independent Chairperson; and

2. Fulfilling the duties of a Trustee on the Milford Community Trust.

The appointment is for a term of three years.

Nominations close at noon on Monday 31 January 2011, and must be lodged with the Council's Invercargill Office at 15 Forth Street, Invercargill.

For more information and to download a nomination form, please follow the link: Milford Community Association - Election for Trustee

Allocations committee grant more than $70,000

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A total of $72,882 has been granted to various Southland organisations through the Southland District Council allocations committees which met recently.

Allocations made:

Community Development Fund: Balfour Primary School $750, Browns CDA $569, Central Southland Toy Library Inc $200, Drummond District Bowling Club Inc $1,500, Garston CDA $750, Kapuka South Recreation Reserve $1,000, Lumsden Cricket Club $750, Lumsden and Areas Activities for Miniature Bodies Society (LAAMBS) $500, Lions Club of Wyndham $750, Mokoreta-Redan Centennial Hall Society Inc $1,000, Mossburn Rugby Club $1,000, Orepuki Cemetery Trust $750, South Coast Craft Group $300, Northern Southland Development Charitable Trust $1,000, PowerNet Tour of Southland $1,500, ReGeneration Trust $1,100, Riversdale Lions Club $750, South Catlins Development and Environmental Charitable Trust $750, South Catlins Promotions $200, Spring Flower Show Committee - Te Anau $1,000, Taramea Management Committee $1,000, Te Anau Rodeo Club $1,000, Te Anau Scout Club $1,000, Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club Inc $1,000, Toi Tois Tokanui Lions Club $750, Tokanui Memorial Hall $1,000, Tourism Catlins $1,000, Tuatapere Promotions Inc $1,000, Venture Southland on behalf of Southland Community Swimming Pool Groups $1,950, Waimatuku Southern Scenic Highland Pipe Band (A) $1,000 (B) $1,500 (C) $10,000 Interest Free Loan for 5 years, West Catlins Preservation Inc $1,000, White Hill Windfarm Classic $1,000, Winton Croquet Club $500, Winton Golf Club $500, Winton Scout Group $1,000, Wyndham Historical Society and Museum (A) $500 (B) $500, Wyndham Promotions and Business Association $1,000, Lions of Stewart Island $750, Mokoreta-Redan 150 Year Committee $1,000, Wyndham Rugby Club $500. Total: $47,619

SPARC Rural Travel Fund: Aparima College $300, Fiordland Swimming Club $300, Lorneville Pony Club $300, Otara Pony Club $900, Southland Boys' High School - Cricket $900, Winton Athletics Club $300, Winton Cricket Club (Central Western) $900. Total: $3900

Creative Communities New Zealand Scheme: Invercargill Garrison Band (aka Ascot Park Hotel Brass) $558, Invercargill Garrison Band (aka Ascot Park Hotel Brass) $714, Southern Districts Arts Trust $900, Southern Districts Arts Trust $1,000, Heather Wilkins on behalf of Athol $300, Southland Teachers and Judges $800, Foveaux Harmony Chorus $500, Venture Southland $500, Riverton Community Arts Centre Charitable Trust $1,000, Riverton Community Arts Centre Charitable Trust $700, Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust $500, Otautau New Life Centre $450, Northern Southland Creative Arts Inc $441. Total: $8,363

Mayor's husband dies

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council elected members, management and staff are saddened by the death of Murray Cardno, Mayor Frana Cardno's husband, on Sunday. Council chief executive David Adamson said Mr Cardno, 71, was always hugely supportive of the Council and its staff. "Murray would always take time to talk to all the staff, and enjoyed finding out about people and what they did. He contributed to our organisation in very many ways, not least, of course, in his selfless support of his wife, the Mayor," Mr Adamson said.

"I have known Murray for the 16 years I have been in the south and I have appreciated his real interest in people, his inquisitive nature and his practical approach to life. I have lost a valued friend, who I will miss greatly.

"Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with Frana and the Cardno family at this tragic time."

Mr and Mrs Cardno were at Mount Cook visiting the area when Mr Cardno had a massive heart attack near the Ball Glacier. Despite efforts from Department of Conservation staff and medics, he was not able to be revived.

The date for Mr Cardno's funeral is still to be decided as family has to travel from overseas. Mr Adamson asked for people to respect Mrs Cardno and her family's privacy as they grieve for the huge loss of their husband, father and grandfather.

Mr and Mrs Cardno had been married for 47 years.

Roads affected by floodwaters

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Drivers are being urged to be aware and careful on roads around the Southland district are being hit by floodwaters. Southland District Council maintenance contractors are out monitoring the situation and are putting warning signs out, but please be careful and drive to the conditions if you are travelling on roads, particularly in the Waikaia and Lower Mataura catchments. Roads that are closed by flooding in the Southland District are:

Waikaka area

Pyramid-Waiparu Road CLOSED

Riversdale-Waikaia Road CLOSED

Lower Mataura catchment

Wairikiki Road CLOSED

Roads affected by surface flooding are:

Wyndham Valley Road, marginal, flooding signs out

Wyndham Road, surface flooding

Mataura Island-Titiroa Road, surface flooding

Counsell Road, Makarewa, surface flooding

Hedgehope-Rakahouka Road, surface flooding

For details on State Highways please contact Opus.

Further updates will be made as details come in.

Roading update No 1

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Several roads around the Southland District will remain closed overnight after being flooded by rising rivers. Southland District Council maintenance contractors will continue to check roads and are putting warning signs out, but please be careful and drive to the conditions if you are travelling on roads, particularly in the Waikaia and Lower Mataura catchments. Roads that are closed by flooding in the Southland District are:

Waikaka area

Pyramid-Waiparu Road CLOSED

Winding Creek Road CLOSED

Riversdale-Waikaia Road CLOSED

Lower Mataura catchment

Waiarikiki Road CLOSED

Roads affected by surface flooding are:

Wyndham Valley Road, marginal, flooding signs out

Tokanui Gorge Road, surface flooding from blocked culvert

Fraser Road, surface flooding

Mataura Island-Titiroa Road, surface flooding

Counsell Road, Makarewa, surface flooding

Hedgehope-Rakahouka Road, surface flooding

For details on State Highways please contact Opus.

This is the final update for today - further updates will be made tomorrow (Tuesday).

Dog registration costs to increase

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The cost to register your dog in the Southland District is being increased to $25, effective from July 1 2011. Group Manager Environment and Community Bruce Halligan said the cost was going up from its current $20 to $25 for several reasons, including

Council's Animal Control section is receiving increasing numbers of dog control matters to respond to
In response to this, the Animal Control Officer has become a full time role, whereas previously this was a 50/50 split between animal control and resource management compliance
Council needs to provide funding for upgraded pound facilities, so as to enable greater capacity and security
The costs of the free microchipping programme have increased and the registration fee increase will assist with the ongoing provision of this service for owners of registered dogs. (Microchipping of all dogs over 3 months old is now compulsory under the Dog Control Act)
Council has engaged an additional ranger to assist with coverage and response times within the District

The recommendation to increase the fee was not made lightly, but was in recognition of these factors. At $25, and an additional $12.50 for late payment after 1 August 2011, the fee is still one of the lowest in New Zealand.

"It is important that Council can provide a timely and thorough response on dog control matters, as situations such as dangerous dogs can represent a physical threat to both persons and livestock," Mr Halligan said.

The Southland District Council administers more than 11% of the land area of New Zealand and has more than 13,000 registered dogs.

Grants of more than $70,000 made

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A new combined fund has been created from the amalgamation of the Southland Amenity Fund and the Southland District Council Community Development Fund. The new fund, called the Southland District Council Community Initiatives Fund, will be effective from the 2011-2012 year. Venture Southland group manager community development Rex Capil said the new fund was created by the Allocations Committee because many of the grants it was seeing could fit into both of the present funds' criteria. A combined fund would help community organisations only having to complete one application form and would take away any confusion as to what fund to apply to. Administration would be simplified as well. The fund would receive $108,890 a year from Council.

Meanwhile, a total of $72,882 was granted to various Southland organisations through the Council allocations committee.

Allocations made:

Amenity Fund: Athol Memorial Hall $250, Balfour Primary School $250, Dipton Community Baths Trust $250, Eastern Bush Hall Committee $500, Hokonui Hall Society $250, Kapuka South Recreation Reserve $1,000, Lions of Stewart Island $500, Lions Club of Wyndham $500, Mokoreta-Redan 150 Year Committee $250, Mossburn Rugby Club $500, Orepuki Trust $500, Riversdale Lions Club $500, Toi Tois Tokanui Lions Club $500, Rotary Club of Fiordland $1500, South Catlins Development and Environmental Charitable Trust $500, Te Anau Rodeo Club $250, Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club Inc $1,000, Tokanui Memorial Hall $500, Tuatapere Promotions Inc $500, Waimahaka Public Hall Inc $250, Wendonside Hall Society Inc $500, Winton Golf Club Inc $250, Lumsden Playground $500, Garston Playground $500, Mossburn Playground $500, Balfour Playground $500. Total: $13,000Community Development Fund: Balfour Primary School $750, Browns CDA $569, Central Southland Toy Library Inc $200, Drummond District Bowling Club Inc $1,500, Fiordland Netball $1,000, Garston CDA $750, Kapuka South Recreation Reserve $1,000, Lumsden Cricket Club $750, Lumsden and Areas Activities for Miniature Bodies Society (LAAMBS) $500, Lions Club of Wyndham $750, Mokoreta-Redan Centennial Hall Society Inc $1,000, Mossburn Rugby Club $1,000, Orepuki Cemetery Trust $750, South Coast Craft Group $300, Northern Southland Development Charitable Trust $1,000, PowerNet Tour of Southland $1,500, ReGeneration Trust $1,100, Riversdale Lions Club $750, South Catlins Development and Environmental Charitable Trust $750, South Catlins Promotions $200, Spring Flower Show Committee - Te Anau $1,000, Taramea Management Committee $1,000, Te Anau Rodeo Club $1,000, Te Anau Scout Club $1,000, Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club Inc $1,000, Toi Tois Tokanui Lions Club $750, Tokanui Memorial Hall $1,000, Tourism Catlins $1,000, Tuatapere Promotions Inc $1,000, Venture Southland on behalf of Southland Community Swimming Pool Groups $1,950, Waimatuku Southern Scenic Highland Pipe Band (A) $1,000 (B) $1,500 (C) $10,000 Interest Free Loan for 5 years, West Catlins Preservation Inc $1,000, White Hill Windfarm Classic $1,000, Winton Croquet Club $500, Winton Golf Club $500, Winton Scout Group $1,000, Wyndham Historical Society and Museum (A) $500 (B) $500, Wyndham Promotions and Business Association $1,000, Lions of Stewart Island $750, Mokoreta-Redan 150 Year Committee $1,000, Wyndham Rugby Club $500. Total: $47,619

Final roading update

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Roads affected by flooding around the Southland District this week are open now, but care is still needed as some of the roads still have water on them, or may have scouring from the floodwaters.

Building to be demolished

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A dangerous building in Wyndham is to be demolished to protect the public. Southland District Council building control manager Kevin O'Connor said Council had worked hard to try to save the building, both with the present owner and also with possible purchasers, but has been left with no choice apart from demolition. Council last year received a report of falling masonry from the building in Balaclava Street on to the footpath in front of it. The two-storey building already had a dangerous building notice on it because of a structurally inadequate stairway, and inadequate fire safety requirements.

Staff investigating found plasterwork from the parapet had fallen to the footpath below, potentially endangering the public. Further investigation revealed the general deterioration of the structural brickwork and the parapet's connection to the building was failing.

"The plasterwork of the parapet is in a poor state of repair as is the structural brickwork of the building in general. The separation of the parapet from its supporting brickwork clearly presents a significant and potentially life-threatening hazard to the general public using the footpath below," Mr O'Connor said.

Council has worked with the owner to try to get remedial work done on the property, but nothing has been forthcoming and the owner is unlikely to be able to fund any work.

A hoarding has been put around the building preventing anyone using the footpath in front of the building.

A quote from Scobies Transport has been accepted and demolition is expected to get under way once Council has District Court approval to go ahead.

"We don't like creating holes in the main street of Wyndham, but have been forced to take this action through lack of cooperation from the building owner.

"We have very important responsibilities under the Building Act to maintain public safety and this building in its current state represents a very significant hazard to the public which requires urgent action," Mr O'Connor said.

Council will make every attempt to recover all costs from the building owner.

Emergency 111 calls in Southland - Urgent

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

These services have now been restored. Please refer here for more information.

This is a message from Emergency Management Southland

The 111 phone system in Southland is out of action following today's earthquake in Christchurch.

Anyone needing urgent assistance from the police must phone their local police station direct - this number is in the BLUE pages at the front of the Southland phone book.

Anyone needing an ambulance in Southland must phone 03 211 3044.

Anyone needing assistance from the Fire Service must phone 03 214 3779.

This message was authorised by Warren Tuckey, Southland Civil Defence Controller

For more information please visit the Southland Civil Defence Website.

Emergency 111 calls system restored

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

This is a mesage from Emergency Management Southland.

The 111 phone system is Southland has returned to normal operations.

For more information please visit the Southland Civil Defence Website

New webpage will match donations with need

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The thoughts and sympathy of all Southlanders are with Christchurch people at this time of tragedy, Southland leaders Mayors Tim Shadbolt, Frana Cardno, Tracy Hicks and Chair Ali Timms said today. "Our love and best wishes go to all people affected by this tragedy but especially those that have lost loved ones, whether they be family or friends. We down here in the south feel helpless to do anything but we are setting up support that we hope will make a difference in the next few months as the city moves forward from this devastating earthquake."

Southlanders wanting to do something practical to help Christchurch people can now do so through a dedicated new webpage www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch They will be able to find out where they can make donations to go to Christchurch people, where they can get information on tracing people in Christchurch and what is needed and what isn't.

Emergency Management Southland public information manager Michele Poole said people would also be able to sign up any accommodation offers they have for Christchurch people to have a break away from the earthquake-ravaged city.

"We know how generous Southlanders are and we know they want to do something, so this website will give people all the information they need to make donations, offer accommodation or start tracing a friend," Ms Poole said.

"Making donations through recognised organisations means the money, services and offers are going where they are needed," she said.

People wanting to offer their specialist services need to contact Emergency Management Southland, and information on how to do this will also be found on www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch

This webpage, set up under Venture Southland's website, is a joint initiative of all the Southland councils - Invercargill City Council, Southland and Gore District Councils and Environment Southland - and Venture Southland.

For people in the Southland District who do not have access to the internet, all the District Council libraries have free internet services.

The Mayors and Chair said they were all pleased with this initiative.

"The Councils will be doing what they can, but are also very aware that help needs to be matched with requirements, so www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch will be very clear about what Christchurch needs and doesn't need, ie, blankets and toys are not needed at the moment."

Council flags are all at half-mast.

Help Christchurch

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

If you want to know how you can help the people of Christchurch please read this page from Venture Southland's Website.

Make sure you subscribe to be kept informed of updates as and when this information changes.

Te Anau development gets consent

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A proposed visitor centre on the outskirts of Te Anau has been granted resource consent by the Southland District Council. Fiordland Lifestyle Properties Limited applied for consent to establish, construct, operate and maintain a visitor centre at 2 Alpine Drive, Te Anau, and the consent was issued following a hearing in Te Anau on Thursday 10 February. Council resource management planner Matt Hunter said the consent has been issued, subject to a set of 16 detailed conditions. The application was publicly notified and 25 submissions, both in support and opposing the proposal, were received.

One of the key concerns was the potential for the proposed development to fragment the existing retail centre of Te Anau. However, Council's resource management committee, in its decision approving the development, said at the land which was the subject of the application had recently been rezoned from rural to urban via a District Plan change, and the proposed development was largely compliant with the urban provisions of the District Plan.

Also, a previous proposal to establish a commercial zone based around the existing town centre to minimise the potential for retail fragmentation had not proceeded following community feedback at the time.

The committee put extensive conditions on visual effects, landscaping, noise management and access and parking arrangements.

Both the applicant and submitters can appeal the decision to the Environment Court within 15 working days from receiving the decision.

Council awards roading contracts worth $1 million

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has approved three contracts totalling $1.02 million to rehabilitate about 5km of Southland roads. Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss said that Council's activities performance audit committee awarded the contracts to two contractors - SouthRoads Limited was awarded the contract to rehabilitate 1.28km of pavement on the Dipton Mossburn Road. Central Western Roading Limited was awarded contracts to rehabilitate 1.72km of Pahiwi Balfour Road and 1.59km of Wilsons Crossing Road.

Sixteen tenders were received for the three contracts.

The work on all three roads is being done earlier than planned because of an increase in the wear on these roads related to logging and dairy traffic.

Council chief executive David Adamson said the works form part of the ongoing maintenance of the District's 2,000km of sealed roads.

Wheelie bin rollout in April

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

New red and yellow-lidded wheelie bins are about to arrive throughout Southland. Southland District Council water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said work is progressing well on the new rubbish and recycling two-bin collection service and the new bins are about to start being delivered from early April. The new service will provide properties with two new 240 litre bins, one (red lid) for rubbish and one (yellow lid) for recycling. The red bin will be emptied every fortnight and the yellow bin every alternative fortnight. .

The cost of the new service, although not yet finalised, is likely to be $231 plus GST, which is slightly less than Council previously anticipated because more people have chosen to have the two bins. This cost is not additional to what is paid now, rather it replaces the current charge, in the same way the two new bins replace the current bin, Mr Evans said.

The new bins will be delivered during the month of April and Council is encouraging landlords to tell their tenants about the new service.

"As the current service continues up until the last week in April we are also telling people not to put the new bins out for collection until the week starting 2 May. and we are sending everyone information about delivery days and whether their first week is recycling or rubbish collection," he said.

"As a few collection days have changed we have sent everyone a comprehensive list of all areas which details collection arrangements for the first month. It is important that everyone checks the list so as they know when to put their bin out," he said.

Those receiving the new service will have recently received a letter outlining these arrangements. Further information will also be delivered with the new bins. This will include a brochure with details on what can and can't go in each bin and a calendar to remind people which bin to put out.

Arrangements are also being made for the collection of the current wheelie bins, which belong to Northern Southland Transport Holdings. These bins will be collected during the last week of the current service (25-29 April).

The service is being administered through Wastenet, a shared service arrangement between Southland and Gore District Councils and Invercargill City Council.

Residents are being encouraged to contact Council on 0800 732 732 if they have any queries or visit www.wastenet.org.nz

Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012 from 9 April to 11 May. The draft plans sets out what money Council needs to carry out work in the 2011/12 financial year (1 July 2011 – 30 June 2012).

The plan includes the cost of delivering Council’s proposed activities, how it intends to fund these (including the amount of rates required), how progress will be measured and explains any differences from what was proposed for that period in its LTCCP. It also includes some proposals which Council is interested in receiving feedback on such as changes to expenditure on roading, as well as additional grants to external organisations.

A copy of the Draft Plan and summary plan is available here or in hard copy form from any Council office.

Submissions must be received by 11 May 2011. You can make a submission in various ways including:

Use the online submission form
Email to emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz (Subject: Draft Annual Plan Submissions)
Post your submission to Draft Annual Plan Submission, Southland District Council, PO Box 903, Invercargill or fax it to 0800 732 329. You can use the submission form below or simply write the Council a letter.

Submitters will be provided with the opportunity of appearing before Council in support of their submissions at the hearing and considerations meeting scheduled for 14/15 June 2011.

For further information on the draft Annual Plan can be found in the Plans and Reports section of the website here or contact Council’s Corporate Planning staff on 0800 732 732 or email emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz.

Castle Rock outcrop to be protected

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Dipton's Castle Rock natural limestone outcrop will be officially protected by covenant thanks to the local community, Ravensdown and the Southland District Council. Representatives from the three parties gathered at the site on 21 April 2011 to celebrate the signing of the official covenant declaring Ravensdown's intention to protect and preserve the western face of this important limestone outcrop. The outcrop is part of Ravensdown's Dipton Lime Quarry and Ravensdown has been liaising with the local community regarding the quarry, in conjunction with the Southland District Council, for a number of years.

"The Dipton Quarry has operated continually since the 1930s supplying agricultural lime to Southland and Central Otago. The site employs five people and contributes $1m to the local economy," says Ravensdown CEO Rodney Green. "We take our role in the community very seriously and so have created a quarry management plan that now protects the face. The Dipton Landcare Group lobbied us to not mine the cliffs and we were persuaded to change our view. Locals were worried the landscape feature might be removed or damaged during the ongoing quarrying operation at Dipton Lime and asked Ravensdown if we would agree to fully protect the remaining rock face.

"This move has reduced the life of the quarry however we recognise its importance as part of the local landscape and are pleased to see it stay," he says.

Peter McDonald, of the Dipton Landcare Group, says the group is delighted with the outcome. "The outcrop has been there since day one. It's a local attraction where many people visit and picnic. I wanted to be able to take my grandchildren there and have them see it as it's always been."

Southland District Council has been involved in co-ordinating liaison and survey work associated with the definition of the covenant work.

Southland Mayor Frana Cardno is thrilled at this outcome and praised Ravensdown for listening to the community. "I am delighted this unique area is being preserved as it is an icon of Southland. It's a great example of big business, Council and the community working together for a positive outcome."

Group manager environment and community Bruce Halligan says it is great to see this positive environmental outcome achieved in the protection of the western face of the formation, which is a unique natural feature. Mr Halligan thanked the Community Trust of Southland for providing funding to assist with survey work.

During the official covenant signing ceremony Ravensdown announced that it will be upgrading the site during the next year to include a new lime storage area and new drying and processing plant that would lower the overall processing cost of the site. In addition, the new equipment will provide increased capacity for fertiliser mixes, increase reliability and efficiency and have environmental benefits including less dust as well as being more energy efficient and quieter. Ravensdown and its farmer shareholders see agricultural lime as a key ingredient in efficient long-term sustainable farming systems. The lime from Dipton is used extensively throughout Southland and Central Otago and without its use farm production and economic output would be drastically reduced.

Old wheelie bins to be picked up

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

New red and yellow-lidded wheelie bins have been delivered throughout Southland this month. To date well over 8000 bins have been delivered across the district, with further requests to join the service all the time. Southland District Council water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said most people who are receiving the new rubbish and recycling service should have received their two new bins by now. "We are currently working with our contractor to address some last minute issues which have recently come to light. In the meantime alternative arrangements are being made for those people who may not have received their bins by the start of May," Mr Evans said.

All the old wheelie bins will start to be picked up next week, from 26 to 29 April, after they have been emptied, so Council is asking residents and businesses to please make sure they put their bins out.

Those residents who have not yet received their new bins can leave rubbish out for collection in black bags until their bins are delivered. Please only put them out for collection on the week that the red-lidded wheelie bins will be collected. Please store your recyclables until your yellow bin arrives.

The new service begins the week starting 2 May and Mr Evans asks everyone to check the calendar delivered with the bins to find out which bin, whether it be the yellow-lidded recycling bin or the red-lidded rubbish bin, they put out first as they will be emptied on alternative fortnights.

The service is being administered through Wastenet, a shared service between Southland and Gore District Councils and Invercargill City Council. Residents should contact Council on 0800 732 732 or visit www.wastenet.org.nz

Te Anau Airport highly commended

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The development of Te Anau Airport - Manapouri has received a highly commended award in the recent Best Practice Awards at the New Zealand Community Boards Conference.

The $7 million project won the award in the Significant Projects category, one of the eight categories that rewards excellence in Community Boards nationwide.

Te Anau Airport – Manapouri has been a project championed by the Te Anau Community Board since 2004. It was the foresight and determination of Te Anau Community Board members and Councillors in the area to provide additional air transport for what they believed would serve an increasing number of tourists to the Fiordland region each year.

Among the supporters of the airport was Southland District Council Cr Diane Ridley, of the Te Anau Ward, who was delighted about the project’s most recent recognition.

“It’s a very commendable project that is great for the future of the area,” Cr Ridley said.

She paid tribute to the hard work of all who were involved in developing the project to date and looks forward to the airport’s overall vision being realised in the future.

“This is very much a long term project. It is our hope that the airport will attract not only tourists to the area, but will also provide a regular flight service for local people,” she said.

61 submissions to Draft Annual Plan

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has received 61 submissions to its Draft Annual Plan.

Submissions closed on Wednesday and will be heard and considered by Council on 14 and 15 June, with 12 of the submitters indicating they wanted to speak to their submission.

Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said a number of the submissions were slightly different this year, with many submitters commenting on a variety of township projects which are proposed and communities wanted feedback on.

"It's really good to see comments on the local projects that are happening, such as the Riverton cemetery toilet and the Henry Street playground in Te Anau," Ms Taylor said.

"We haven't really received this sort of feedback in the past so it is really pleasing to see people taking the opportunity to let the Council their views about project planned in their community."

Submission numbers are down from last year when Council had 81.

"A number of people have also given feedback about proposed grants, particularly for Te Hikoi museum, as well as topics such as the roading rate," she said.

Council staff are now summarising the submissions, getting staff comment and getting them out to councillors to read before the hearings next month. The final plan, incorporating any changes from submissions will be brought to Council for adoption on June 29.

Roads affected by flooding - Final Update: 20th May

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

All roads in the Southland District are now open and clear. There is minor scouring in a number of areas that will be tidied up by graders and small work crews.

For details on State Highways please contact Opus.

This is the final update.

Liquor Licensing Accord adopted

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has adopted the Southland District Liquor Licensing Accord concerning the hours of trading for hotels and taverns.

The proposed accord stems from an agreement made between Council, the Police, Public Health South and the industry representative, the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, to establish widely agreed hours of trading that apply consistently and fairly to all hotels and taverns in the District.

Hours of trading later than 1am for across the bar off-sales and after 3am for consumption on premises are controlled by the accord. Licensees are required to give the police at least 24 hours notice if they intend to operate beyond these hours.

In reality, most licensed premises in Southland do not operate past this time in any case but the notification system will enable greater control if a licensee chooses to serve alcohol past 3am on a specific date.

"There is an increasing pressure for closer scrutiny on trading hours," Group Manager Environment and Community Bruce Halligan said at the Council meeting on Stewart Island last week.

The current Southland District Licensing Agency Liquor Policy permits 24-hour licensing provided the District Plan is complied with. However, the Alcohol Reform Bill as currently drafted will prohibit 24-hour licensing.

The accord shall take effect from 15 June 2011, which will control the hours of trading alcohol and satisfy industry demand before the Alcohol Reform Bill becomes law.

"The progress on the accord to date has been greatly assisted by a positive response from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand and their local representatives," Mr Halligan said.

Council chief executive David Adamson said the accord was "a very good compromise for addressing police concerns, public concerns and hoteliers' concerns".

First Meeting of Dog Control Sub-Committee

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council's new dog control sub-committee held its first meeting on Monday.

Committee chair Bruce Halligan said the sub-committee was formed to provide a more streamlined and faster approach to dog control functions, in particular the classification of dangerous and menacing dogs, and probationary and disqualified owners.

Before the sub-committee's establishment and with Council's recently adopted six-weekly meeting cycle, it could take up to six weeks to deal with these matters.

"The new sub-committee will enable markedly reduced response times following dog control incidents," Mr Halligan said.

Any owner can object to Council any classifications made by the sub-committee.

At the first meeting, four matters were dealt with involving three classifications of dogs and one classification of an owner.

Review could hit Southland hard

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland could be hard hit by a review of the New Zealand Transport Agency's investment strategy and in particular the review of funding assistance rates, Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson said.

NZTA chief executive Geoff Dangerfield has written to council chief executives to inform them of the review. His letter outlines the potential plan to adjust the base funding assistance rates (FARs) for local roads in line with ability to pay.

Mr Adamson said this has raised alarm bells for him as the ability to pay is linked to land value at this stage, and that will affect the Southland region badly. At the moment a Southlander pays $437 including GST on average for roading, compared to an Aucklander who pays $196 (2011-12 draft Annual Plans).

"This is not comparing apples to apples and the rural people could seriously miss out. This is already evidenced in the extended funding being given to roads of national significance. A phenomenal amount of money is being put into urban highways," he said.

"We believe the current formula for distributing road user funds is not suitable as it is based on land value and land value does not reflect ability to pay. Rural wealth is reflected in land value but urban wealth is reflected more in capital value."

Southland District Council has the biggest roading network in New Zealand, with nearly 5000km of roads. This network is already experiencing significant heavy vehicle growth and if the assistance rates are reduced, even by a few percentage points, Southland roads and Southland ratepayers could be badly affected.

At present Council receives 54% in FARs from NZTA for various road projects - that is, NZTA pays 54% of the cost of the project and Southland ratepayers pay 46%.

"Any review should first establish whether ability to pay is the right principle as there are other methods, such as the benefit principle, size of network, activity on network - potentially by proxying transport revenue generated in a region, or population testing to ensure fairness and equity in funding," Mr Adamson said.

Mr Dangerfield had indicated there will be a full review of all FARs in 2013 to look at their fit with policy objectives, Mr Adamson said.

"Should this not be at the beginning of the review rather than the end?"

The review happening now has a high risk of generating inequitable outcomes and Transport Minister Steven Joyce, who said last week Auckland already receives 46% of Government road funding, needs to be aware that this review is likely to poorly serve our export economy, which is strongly rural commodity based, Mr Adamson said.

"A better outcome for all would be to undertake the detailed review and to make its outcome effective from 2015 and retain the status quo for this upcoming round."

Council concerned about possible Building Control reforms

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Changes to the structure of building control proposed by the Department of Building and Housing are concerning Southland District Council.

A centralised processing of consents is being proposed, with inspection services being kept locally. The key drivers for this, according to the department, are processing inconsistencies between councils across the country, alleged inadequacies in the inspection process and a desire to address alleged inefficiencies and excess costs within councils.

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said Council's building control team has a good relationship with builders, good compliance with processing timeframes and prides itself on customer service.

"Local government is all about local services. If this is centralised, how are our isolated communities going to cope? At the moment Southlanders can ring our 0800 number and talk to a real person who understands Southland and lives in Southland," Mrs Cardno said.

Council is also concerned that centralised or regionalised processing through the Department of Building and Housing will mean important local knowledge such as hazards information and the position of underground infrastructure could fall through the cracks or be lost, leading to construction difficulties and increased costs and delays.

Council's building control team came through a recent intensive external audit process very well, with the auditors impressed by the professionalism and robustness of Council's processing and inspection services.

"We think Southland District Council and the Southland building sector has little to gain and much to lose from these changes," she said.

The leaky home problem happened because the rules were changed to allow more use of substandard material and local government is left to deal with the consequences, she said.

"Southland has had very few leaky homes because our practical building control team had high standards already."

Council is working with other southern councils already to look at the centralisation proposal and the building control team is already working with the other council teams to ensure processes are as consistent as possible between southern councils.

First Mayor remembered

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council's first Mayor, John Casey JP, has died.

Mr Casey had been a councillor on the Southland County Council since 1974, before becoming Mayor in 1986 for the last term. He was elected Mayor of Southland District Council after amalgamation in 1989, and stood down at the end of that term in 1992.

Mayor Frana Cardno, who was the Te Anau councillor in Council's first term, said she was deeply saddened by the news of his death.

"My condolences go to his family. John was a very proud Southlander who held dear the values of Southland," Mrs Cardno said.

"He was a very well respected Mayor, full of integrity and always had the best interests of Southland in mind."

Toetoes councillor Paul Duffy said Mr Casey was also well respected in the Otara district where his family has farmed for generations. Mr Casey was involved in many organisations from church to Lions in the area.

Change in highway classification

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council is keeping a watching brief on the changes made to state highway classifications in the south.

Group manager services and assets Erik Barnes said two highways received new classifications in Southland in the changes announced by the New Zealand Transport Agency this week - the Five Rivers to Invercargill highway, in Southland District, and the Invercargill to Bluff highway, which is in Invercargill City Council boundaries.

The Five Rivers to Invercargill highway has been changed from regional distributor to regional connector.

Mr Barnes said the change was not an issue in itself but he hoped it did not influence NZTA's investment strategy which is being considered at the moment. The strategy decides how much Government money is given to councils to look after local roads.

"We just do not want any further constraint in funding allocation," he said.

"There is already not enough investment in regional distributor highways and Council would hate to see it reduced further."

Southland has five highways - two regional strategic ones in Queenstown to Milford and Dunedin to Invercargill, one regional connector with Invercargill to Five Rivers and two regional distributors with Invercargill to Tuatapere and Clinton to Ohai.

New bridge postings

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has announced its bridge postings for 2011-12.

Sixty nine bridges in the Southland District have been identified as needing postings in order to assist with the safety of road users. Sixteen of the bridges have a greater than 50% weight restriction on them. The total number of bridges includes 11 more than last year, group manager service and assets Erik Barnes said.

The reasons for the increased restrictions include changes in the NZTA methodology for assessing bridge capacities and the deterioration that has occurred to the structures since the previous detailed engineering inspection three years ago. The intensification of heavy traffic within the rural roading network has also been a contributing factor, Mr Barnes said.

The postings limits are determined after a detailed engineering survey of the bridge and reflect wear and tear on the bridge structure and effects of dynamic loadings from vehicles. They are set to avoid further damage to the structures and to reduce the risk of collapse of the bridges, thereby providing greater safety for the road user.

For these reasons it is essential for all road users that the postings are complied with.

"This updated information from the engineering survey is assisting Council in the prioritising of its programming of bridge upgrades and replacements which is underway now. However, as Southland has one of the largest networks of bridges in the country, this process is unlikely to change the numbers overnight," he said.

Resealing contract let

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Blacktop Construction has won the contract for resealing Southland District roads.

Councillors agreed to award the approximately $5.5 million contract to Blacktop at their Activities Performance Audit Committee meeting last week. The contract covers about 1.1 million square metres of resealing of urban and rural roads. It was originally two contract areas - Western and Eastern, but the tenders closed on the same day to allow tenderers the opportunity to submit a joint tender for both, roading manager Michael Voss said.

"This is probably one of the largest resealing contracts in New Zealand this year," Mr Voss said.

Two companies put in tenders for the two areas, and another put in a tender for one of the areas. The tenderers were asked to submit two prices - one fixed price and the other with a cost fluctuation option.

"The volatility of prices for bitumen is difficult for Council to forecast so having a standard rate gives us some certainty. At the moment we are seeing sharper prices for bitumen coming in, but we don't know how long that will last," he said.

Bitumen is a product from the oil industry and as such suffers from similar volatility as to its pricing; but is also significantly price sensitive to construction growth, particularly in Asia/China.

Blacktop, which is based in the North Island, carried out the 2010/2011 resealing contract for Council and when it was initially appointed, Council came under scrutiny for awarding the contract to a company located outside of the region.

Blacktop's performance in last year's contract was very good and a similar outcome is expected from this contract.

Work progressing on sewerage scheme project

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Work on the plans for a new sewerage scheme for Te Anau is continuing.

Council water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said Council is required to develop an acceptable long-term sewage treatment scheme for Te Anau under its current consent from Environment Southland. The current consent expires in 2014 and a significant amount of work with key stakeholders has already been undertaken in order to identify potential options for treatment and disposal.

"Lake Te Anau has significant cultural and environmental importance and any solution needs to take account of its Statutory Acknowledgement under the the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 as well as the Natural Water designation under Environment Southland's Regional Discharge Plan. This designation required any discharges to the river or lake to be of the highest quality," Mr Evans said.

At the moment the present Te Anau sewerage scheme discharges into the Upukerora River which then discharges into the lake. To treat the discharge to the quality needed for this pristine environment would be very expensive both to build and to run, he said. The design of the scheme also needs to take into account future growth within the Te Anau township.

Following previous investigations and discussions with key stakeholders a decision was made to discharge to land and after extensive searching and testing, land was bought in the Kepler Block near the Te Anau Airport - Manapouri.

Council held public meetings in late 2008 to explain what was happening and the reasons for it and since then engineers have focused on gathering the appropriate information to allow Council to lodge the required resource consents.

Mr Evans said a workshop was held with the new Te Anau Community Board recently to bring them up to speed with the project.

"The workshop proved to be very productive and helped the newer members of the board to gain a better understanding of the steps that have been taken to get to where we are today. The board highlighted some issues which Council staff and their consultants are currently working to address," Mr Evans said.

Board chair Alistair Jukes said he was happy with the progress so far but emphasised the public would be kept up-to-date with the buildup to lodging the consent application for the new treatment scheme next year. This will be the next significant milestone in the development of the scheme.

"We plan to ensure the Te Anau and Manapouri communities know what is going on at all stages of the project," Mr Jukes said.

Public meetings and information sheets are being planned for later in the year and a formal consultation will be part of the resource consent process.

Milford Community Trust reschedules meeting on airport

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Milford Community Trust is facilitating a meeting of those organisations that have an interest in the airport at Milford.

The meeting that was originally scheduled to take place on the 27 July has been postponed to Friday, 19th August in the Real Journey Events Centre in Te Anau.

Issues to be discussed at the meeting include parking facilities, road safety and consultation with user groups.

There is further information on the Milford Community Trust and its meetings available here.

Otautau Hall closed

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Otautau Town Hall has been closed to all new users, effective from 1 July, but the local Floral Art Club and RSA have been given three months to find alternative premises.

Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson said the Wallace Community Board has had to make a hard decision to close the entire Otautau Town Hall, as it is earthquake prone.

"This decision was not made lightly and was based on advice from Council's Management team along with a legal opinion," he said.

The hall has an overall seismic rating of less than 33%, the base required amount under law, and as such, the Board made a decision two years ago to close the hall, however subsequent concern about this decision resulted in the community being allowed to try and establish a trust to upgrade it.

The auditorium has a seismic capacity of 18%, but the RSA and the local Floral Art Club were able to continue to use the front portion of the building, which has a seismic capacity of 30%.

Unfortunately with recent events in Christchurch, the community action group now considering the possibility of a new facility and with requests for bookings, a decision on the future of the hall was necessary.

"Council has a role in terms of the Local Government Act to consider social issues in its decision making. In this particular case the question was asked about what the social impact for Otautau and its wider community would be if the building was being used by a large number of people, and an earthquake struck, causing a partial or full collapse. The answer to this is obvious - it would be significant," Mr Adamson said.

"After seeking legal advice it was established that it is not illegal to continue to use the hall, but this is not about what is legal or not, but rather about what is the correct position to take as a responsible building owner, given that the building is earthquake prone, and the quakes in Christchurch," he said.

"The board has not made the decision to close the entire hall without due consideration and we have offered assistance to the RSA and the Floral Art Club to find new premises. The Board and Council will continue working with the community action group and the community to find a win-win outcome for all."

Southland Roading Update

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Snow has begun to melt over much of Southland today, but forecasts suggest there will be severe inland frosts and ice. The public should exercise caution and avoid travel overnight and tomorrow morning as roads across the region are likely to be extremely dangerous. Neil Cruickshank, Emergency Management Southland says local radio stations will continue to run updated weather and roading information and Southlanders should keep informed before they travel. "Hopefully the snow melt will continue tomorrow and life can return to normal." State Highway 93 between Mataura and Clinton is the only road that remains closed (4pm). All other roads will be affected by snow and ice and drivers should take care and drive to the conditions. Updated roading information is available on the AA website and on the AA twitter page @AA_Traffic.

Dog registration penalty

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Dog owners who have not registered their dogs now face a penalty of $37.50. If the dog is left unregistered, the owner faces a fine of $300 and possible removal of the dog if caught.

Southland District Council's Animal Control Officer is now actively looking for unregistered dogs throughout the district.

Registration fees are used to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, dog owners and their pets. All dogs over the age of three months must be registered.

Any dog not wearing a collar with a current registration label or disc will be treated as unregistered. Replacement tags may be obtained from Council.

For more information, please visit our dog registration page.

Roading conditions update (10am)

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Extreme care must be taken when driving on roads in the Central Southland area as there is widespread black ice. Snow is still present in some areas around Ohai and Nightcaps but most of these have wheel tracks down to the hard surface below. Snow clearing with the graders will continue today on minor arterial roads and hopefully the natural thaw will continue rapidly on other more remote areas. There has no significant snow overnight with only a dusting on higher roads. Wreys Bush Mossburn Road and the BIackmount Hill are being gritted and trucks are also covering the usual spots around the network. Snow clearing continues on roads in the Northern Southland area today.

For state highway conditions, please check www.nzta.govt.nz and for further general roading updates check www.aa.co.nz

Government cuts road funding for Southland

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Government funding for road maintenance and reseals in Southland has been cut by 1% - about $211,000, based on the 2011-12 Council roading programme. Council chief executive David Adamson said Council is disappointed at the reduction in the funding assistance rate (FAR), but will continue to work in partnership with the New Zealand Transport Agency to find fairer solutions for road funding.

"Southland roads are very important to the country, with the amount of export dollars that travel along them. We are seeing an increase in heavy vehicles on our roads, which means more road user charges for Government, so this decrease is frustrating," Mr Adamson said.

"We are committed to having a roading network that is appropriate for purpose so we need to invest in the network to ensure it is fit and safe both for our people but also for the national economy," he said.

Southland District Council is one of 23 councils which have received a 1% cut to their FARs, other councils have seen their funding drop by 2% or more, while some others have received increases.

"Basically we are seeing rural ratepayers having to pay more for their roads, and urban less, and when you add to that the funding that is going to roads of national significance, it is a major boost for metro areas," Mr Adamson said.

Council realises the distribution of funds for roading from Government is based on the ability to pay through using land value, but it has real concerns about this.

"We are looking forward to working with NZTA over the next 18 months to develop a more equitable process. Meanwhile Council is looking at other opportunities to save costs, such as shared services and other cost efficiencies."

Council spends nearly $30 million on roading a year, with rates making up $11.4 million and Government funding nearly $16 million of that.

Cowan, Hore coming to Winton

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

All Blacks Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Hore are coming to Winton on Friday. As part of the "All Blacks Coming to a Town Near You" visit, the two players will arrive at the Midlands Rugby Ground in Winton at 7.30am, ready to be welcomed by Southland Mayor Frana Cardno, young rugby player Fergus Keown and a haka by Central Southland College students.

Following the welcome, a media opportunity will be held, and then around 8am a "Young Farmers" competition, where the two All Blacks will each lead a team. They will face some typically Central Southland challenges in this contest organised by the local young farmers club, before then refereeing games of Rippa rugby at about 8.35am.

Around 9.35am the All Blacks will climb into a vintage vehicle and be driven down Park Street to Albert Street and then on to Great North Road. They will travel down Great North Road, turn at Bute Street and then go up Great North Road through to meet some older fans at a local rest home.

The two players must leave Winton at 10.30am to get to Invercargill Airport for their flight north to assemble with the rest of the All Blacks Squad in Auckland

Southland District Council Winton ward councillor Lyall Bailey said the organising committee was hoping for lots of support from Central Southland and the surrounding areas.

"We want to show the two All Blacks what a great place Winton is. Jimmy already knows how great Southland is, but we need to show that to Andrew as well," Cr Bailey said.

If the weather is bad, the covered courts will be used.

Whisper jet to land at Te Anau Airport

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

A BAE-146 Whisper Jet is to land at Te Anau Airport Manapouri on Wednesday in the first jet aircraft landing for the airport. Airport manager Evan Pearce said the jet is owned by Air National and operated by Vincent Aviation Ltd of Wellington. It will leave Wellington at 8.15am and land at Te Anau Airport Manapouri at 9.45am.

The jet will be welcomed by an arch of water from the Te Anau and Manapouri Volunteer Fire Brigades and a flyover by local helicopters and planes. A piper will pipe the visitors in and they will be welcomed by Southland Mayor Frana Cardno, airport chief executive Erik Barnes and Mr Pearce.

"This is a big event for this size of airport, as not even Napier, Wanaka, Timaru or Nelson have regular visits from a jet this size," Mr Pearce said.

"When you look at what we have done over the past 18 months to bring the airport up to the standard needed, this is the icing on the cake to actually see the aircraft touching down on our runway."

The airport widened the runway strip area and installed approach light system to allow for jet operations.

Wednesday's flight will bring 18 Tauck Tours clients to Te Anau where they will bus to Milford before climbing back onto the Whisper jet and flying to Queenstown.

Early next year it has been rumored that the Tauck Tours and its aircraft will stay up to two nights in Te Anau before heading to Queenstown. This will be very beneficial to the businesses of Te Anau and Manapouri.

SDC and DoC launch scheme to tackle freedom camping

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council and the Department of Conservation have launched a pilot scheme in the Te Anau and Manapouri areas to encourage responsible camping this summer. The Freedom Camping Act, which was recently ratified by Parliament, enables the joint venture between the two organisations to begin. The project involves employing a new camping ranger to patrol conservation and local authority areas around Te Anau and Manapouri. The ranger has the power to issue infringements to those breaching camping bylaws.

Southland District Council's compliance officer Angela Halliday said the ranger's preferred approach will focus on education and advocacy with fines being issued as a last resort. "We want to ensure that this initiative is not seen as anti-camping but instead pro-responsible camping," Ms Halliday said.

The ranger will complement the existing camping wardens that patrol areas within the towns during the summer season. "Although Te Anau and Manapouri are the main focus over Rugby World Cup time for camping, consultation with other areas in Southland where freedom camping has become an issue will be undertaken," Ms Halliday said.

Council and the Department of Conservation signed a Memorandum of Understanding for responsible camping in the Te Anau and Manapouri regions to accompany the initiative. The memorandum sets out a joint education and advocacy strategy covering issues such as public meetings, information material and partnership networks.

The Department of Conservation's programme manager Christine Officer said the aim of the memorandum is to promote responsible camping using education and information provisions. "Both organisations are excited to be working together in a collaborative approach to tackle the freedom camping issue within the local community," Ms Officer said.

Recruitment for the new position is underway with the ranger expected to start in mid October for the first seven-month term.

Information on designated freedom camping areas is available on Southland District Council's website at www.southlanddc.govt.nz. For nationwide information on freedom camping visit www.camping.org.nz.

Cycle trail consent application open for submissions

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail is one more step along the track with its resource consent application being notified and open for submissions. Further information on the trail is available from Southland District Council's website and submissions close on 23 September.

The consent application has been lodged with Southland District Council, Environment Southland, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Department of Conservation, and the hearing will be held before an independent commissioner.

In developing the trail Council has been mindful of the need to ensure a safe, enjoyable and unique outdoor recreation experience for cyclists and walkers from Southland, New Zealand and overseas tourists. The trail is intended to complement other great cycle trails; generate tourism opportunities for Southlanders; and support the vitality and well being of communities along the trail.

The development of this application has taken some time, because of research and consultation with affected parties, ranging from landowners, authorities, engineers, tourism professionals and Fish and Game Southland.

Council encourages all interested persons, whether in favour or against, to submit and make their views known.

Southland celebrates the Rugby World Cup

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

World Cup fever has spread throughout the Southland district as communities all over the region show their support for the competing rugby teams and welcome new visitors to the area.

Lumsden has paved the way, drawing national attention to their celebratory efforts. Flags, bunting, painted sheep and "Welcome Rugby Fans 2011" signs are among the features catching the eye of travellers and teams passing through the township to attend matches. This has been accompanied by in-store screens playing DVDs to promote Southland and a general tidy-up of the town.

Riversdale has adorned its main street with flags and bunting which hang on local buildings, including the school and police station. Rugby World Cup celebrations have encouraged a freshening up of street gardens and replacement of plants to flaunt the township at its finest.

With a visit to Fiordland dominating the "must-see" list of copious numbers of international travellers, there will be no shortage of visitors passing through Te Anau over the next two months. In order to welcome the tourists, flags of every nation competing in the Rugby World Cup will be flying high to greet the rugby fans.

The Otautau community has similarly made an immense effort with bunting and Rugby World Cup flags on the main street and at the local school, marking the occasion for travellers and local people alike who have an interest in the games.

Riverton hosted a Colac Bay versus Scotland supporters' fun game at Colac Bay at the weekend to demonstrate their support for the tournament. Scotland's blue and white colours dominated the decorations in Riverton and a public choir sang the Scottish national anthem at the game. Rugby World Cup banners along Palmerston Street are complemented by the numerous window displays of shops lining the street.

Riverton's Community Board has approved freedom camping at Taramea Soundshell area for a limited period while the games are taking place down south in September as a gesture of good will to those travelling through.

Winton was responsible for kicking off the region's celebrations when it hosted the "All Blacks Coming to a Town Near You" visit recently. All Blacks' fans lined the streets of Winton hoping to catch a glimpse of sporting heroes Andrew Hore and Jimmy Cowen before they set off to compete in the Rugby World Cup.

A Young Farmers' Competition, a Rippa rugby tournament and a vintage vehicle parade were among the activities that the All Blacks participated in at Midlands' Rugby Club. The players were met with a vision of black and white from local retailers, schools and offices in Winton which were adorned with All Blacks' flags and posters. Residents are looking forward to welcoming travellers from other nations throughout the duration of the competition.

Southland District Council offices and libraries, including the head office in Invercargill, have entered into the spirit of the sporting occasion by decorating their public areas with flags, banners, balloons and posters. Council staff and Community Boards all over Southland have been at the forefront of the district-wide celebrations, showcasing Southland at its best to the world.

Mayor Frana Cardno was the Southland representative at the opening ceremony on Friday and she was proud to be a New Zealander.

"The magnificent opening just shows what we can do here, and Southland is right behind the celebrations and the teams," Mrs Cardno said.

Mayor angry over redundancies

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno is shocked and dismayed at the impending and possibly ongoing redundancies being announced in Government departments in the south.

The Department of Conservation last week announced 18 people would be made redundant from its Southland conservancy in the first part of a two-part restructuring. More than 60 people are also losing their jobs at the Invercargill Inland Revenue department.

"DOC is a key partner for us in Southland as they are the biggest manager in the District - about 50% of Southland District and including 83% of Stewart Island. We work closely with the staff on many projects and groups, including the Milford Community Trust and Southern Rural Fire Authority," Mrs Cardno said.

"Our relationship is generally very positive, constructive and collaborative and if that relationship is diminished by staffing being cut, it could lead to an increasing burden on Council and our communities," she said.

The move to centralise government agencies in bigger cities is not right and it hits Southland's economy, population and social structure hard. Modern infrastructure enables any function to be performed efficiently and effectively in a decentralised manner.

"Local experience and knowledge on environmental issues is so important and those partnerships take time and effort. It is so much more challenging to do that from a distance."

Fiordland National Park alone brings in more than $280 million to the national economy each year and it is essential the park is managed professionally by DOC staff living in the region.

Mrs Cardno backed Wanganui Mayor Annette Main's call for some commitment from Government to support regional New Zealand.

"By allowing these redundancies, the Government is pushing people away from the provinces into the cities, which is wrong," she said.

Digital library service planned

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Libraries are joining the digital revolution and will be offering a digital library service with e-books and e-audio available for download.

The libraries throughout the District are part of a South Island consortia which will purchase digital content from United States company Overdrive, libraries manager Lynda Hodge said.

Library members with a home computer, laptop, smart phone, e-reader or similar device will be able to download for free. This will be a 24/7 service with residents being able to choose when they use the service.

It will mean people travelling with a laptop, or other device, will be able to download books through the Southland District Council/Library website. Anyone who is a current Library member only needs to go to the website, click on the library page, authenticate their library membership with their library card number, click on a link to the group's new website and then choose what material to download.

"It is difficult to know what uptake there will be of the service as yet, but it is well established overseas and in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch already," Mrs Hodge said.

There will be a fairly limited pool of material to begin with, but this will grow particularly as consideration is being given to joining a second provider who is able to supply New Zealand content.

Southland's commitment to the group is $1400 per year, half of which would go to Overdrive and half to the collective pool for purchasing content. The total spending pool to begin with will be $18,000 which would be split between e-books and e-audio.

The service is likely to be ready by mid-end October.

205 submissions received on cycle trail application

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Around the Mountain Cycle Trail has received a high level of public interest from both New Zealand and overseas, with a total of 205 submissions received. The proposed trail from Walter Peak to Kingston via Mossburn, Lumsden, Athol, and Garston has received 65 submissions in support, 26 submissions supporting in principle, 109 submissions in opposition, and 5 submissions neutral.

"It's fair to say that the majority of the submissions supporting the trail in principle specifically oppose the part of the route that is proposed through the Upper Oreti River and would prefer the route to follow the Mararoa River," resource management manager Simon Moran said.

Those supporting the proposal have commented that they think it will improve access for the general public and be a great boost to Southland's economy including the townships which the trail passes through due to the tourism potential.

The issues raised in opposition relate to potential effects on the fishery including angling amenity, international fishery tourism, and the wilderness experience. The submissions have been summarised.

Independent hearing commissioner Denis Nugent has been appointed to decide on the application as Southland District Council is the applicant. Mr Nugent has had previous experience dealing with this type of proposal as he was the Commissioner on similar proposals for Alexandra and Roxburgh.

Mr Moran said resource management staff will now consider whether any further information is required from the applicant. It is expected that the hearing will be held in November and all parties will be notified of the hearing date at least 10 days before.

Nominations sought for Milford Community Trust elections

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council is now calling upon nominations for trustees to be appointed to the Milford Community Trust. The Milford Community Trust was established in 2007 by Southland District Council and the Department of Conservation with assistance from Environment Southland.

"The role of the trust is to provide leadership and governance for the Milford community and plays an integral part in making decisions for the future of the area," trust manager Chris Dolan said.

Milford residents, concessionaires and Iwi are invited to put forward nominations for the trust. Personal attributes that are sought for the role of trustee include a passion, affinity and commitment to Milford and strong links to organisations with an interest in the area.

Nominees must be nominated by two members of the Milford community and are required to complete a nominee profile statement. "This is to ensure that the Appointments' Recommendation Panel has the information it needs to assess nominees," Mr Dolan said.

The nomination pack is available on Southland District Council's website at www.southlanddc.govt.nz and at the Te Anau library and Te Anau area office. Council must receive all nominations by 5pm on Monday, 17^th October 2011.

No funding for Southland project

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council will not receive any Government funding to improve drinking water supplies in the round of subsidies just announced by Health Minister Tony Ryall.

Council had applied for funding for the Riverton water supply project but received a letter turning its application down, group manager services and assets Erik Barnes said.

"I am disappointed but not surprised. We knew Riverton was lower on the deprivation index than the cut-off, but we hoped there was still a chance," Mr Barnes said.

Riverton sits at 6.3 on the deprivation index, with only communities on 7 or above eligible for subsidies (a community with a deprivation index of 10 is the least socially and materially well-off).

The Government has approved a total of $9.4 million in subsidies to improve drinking water supplies in small communities of fewer than 5000 people.

"These subsidies will help 18 territorial local authorities and 11 private supplies to providing safer drinking water for about 22,000 people in small, disadvantaged communities," Mr Ryall said in a release.

Up to $10 million is available each year until 2015 and the scheme will pay up to 85 per cent of costs. Originally launched in 2006, the Drinking Water Subsidy Scheme aims to help small communities establish or improve their drinking-water supplies. The criteria for the subsidies were changed last year amid concerns that the scheme was not targeting the communities most in need of the funding.

Update on roading conditions (4pm)

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Drivers heading to Waikaia tonight for the holiday weekend are advised to take care as the river is very high. Southland District Council contractors are monitoring the river levels and there is no water on the road at the moment, but caution is advised.

All roads around Southland District are open but drivers are reminded to take care on previously flooded roads because of possible damage.

For information on rivers and their levels, please check the Environment Southland website www.es.govt.nz.

For state highway conditions, please check www.nzta.govt.nz and for further general roading updates check www.aa.co.nz.

Annual Report adopted

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has received an unqualified Audit report to its 2010-11 Annual Report, which was adopted at a meeting yesterday. Council chief executive David Adamson said the past year had been testing with disasters both locally and nationally. However, Southland remained resilient and Council is still in a strong financial position.

Deputy Mayor Jim Copland said the annual report epitomised Council's mission of "Working together for a better Southland." The report shows several achievements this year.

Highlights for the year included the introduction of kerbside recycling in the district and the completion of the Edendale-Wyndham water and sewerage schemes. Significant progress on projects such as the Around the Mountain Cycleway, the Stewart Island levy, and the District Plan has also been made.

Council spends a large percentage of its income on roading and this continues to be a challenge with Government funding being reduced. Council has been trying to work smarter in its roading programme and has completed a large amount of work under budget.

Council returned a net deficit of $1.7 million, less than the budgeted surplus of $3 million. This was principally due to the timing of a number of projects.

Reminder for residents to vote

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Residents in the Wallace Community Board area who have not yet voted in the by-election are urged to deliver their voting documents to Southland District Council's office in Invercargill to make the deadline of 12 noon on Friday, 11 November 2011.

All electors in the Wallace Community Board area should have received their voting documents for the by-election last month. Electors who have mislaid their voting documents may obtain a special vote by contacting Council.

"It is recommended that if you haven't posted your voting documents to the processing centre in Christchurch by now that you should arrange to deliver the documents to Southland District Council's Invercargill office," electoral officer Virginia Dillon said.

The by-election is to fill the extraordinary vacancy which arose on the Wallace Community Board following the departure of Joanne Butterfield who resigned in late September. The candidates put forward are Peter Gutsell and Tony Vincent. Both men are residents of the Otautau area.

Mayors unhappy at threat to youth programme

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southern Mayors are unhappy that a successful youth programme in the south could be threatened. The Work'n It Out programme works with all school leavers from Timaru south to ensure they don't fall between the cracks and has had a good success rate with getting youth into work, apprenticeships or further studies.

The programme includes youth from the age of 15 to 19. Mentoring, careers advice, support with job search skills and support to look at training options on a one-on-one basis are provided.

The programme is a collaboration between government agencies, local government, industry and communities and was held up as a possible model for the rest of the country. However, it is believed the Government plans to not fund this programme and instead fund a new programme for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno, Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan, Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, Central Otago District Mayor Tony Lepper and Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt are unanimous in their dismay over this move.

Mrs Cardno, a longtime advocate for youth, is particularly concerned.

"We have an excellent and successful programme, and now we are being punished for that. This region often comes up with innovative and exciting ways to deal with issues, and it is very unfortunate that we don't get any credit from Central Government for this," she said.

"They're dumbing down our service so the rest of New Zealand can catch up."

Mrs Cardno said the new programme will see 18 and 19 year olds miss out.

"They will get lost in the system and there is nothing for them - it just is not good enough."

Mr Cadogan said at a time that youth unemployment is at record highs, it is just untenable that central Government is contemplating a withdrawal of support for 18 and 19 year olds, and only focusing on 16 and 17 year olds.

"Work'n It Out is my go-to team with such a success at getting our young ones through that transition from education to employment. Now purely for financial reasons, all 18 to 19 year olds will be only assisted when they apply to the Ministry of Social Development.

"These are good kids who deserve the chance as presently available," he said.

In the 2010-11 financial year, 933 young people received one-on-one support through the programme. Of that, 77% achieved either employment or further education or training. About 52% of the youth using the Work'n It Out programme are aged 18 and 19.

Mr Hicks has written to Clutha-Southland MP Bill English about the Mayors' concerns.

"I said to Mr English that I am concerned that this new programme may significantly depower Work'n It Out. If this is the case it will be a real tragedy for the Otago/Southland region.

"The model in place is a locally developed solution that has been modified and enhanced over the past few years to be a great example of best practice in action and one all of us who have been involved in that evolution have become very proud of.

"It would be a real shame to see all the good work of the past overlooked to have a one size fits all option replace it, as well as somewhat ironic that the rollout would result in redundancy within the service," Mr Hicks said.

Mr Cull said Dunedin has an extremely high youth unemployment rate so "we need to maintain efforts. It should not be either 15 to 17 year olds, or 18 to 24 year olds. We need both."

Mayor says no to tunnel

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is very disappointed at today's decision by the Department of Conservation to move one step closer, subject to conditions and public process, to a private tunnel through New Zealand's internationally acclaimed World Heritage Fiordland and Aspiring National Parks.

The Department of Conservation's view is that with appropriate conditions, the impacts of the Milford Dart proposal are acceptable, but the department will take into consideration public consultation before making a final decision on the concession.

However, Mrs Cardno believes this project is inconsistent with the Conservation Act, the National Park Plans and is also inconsistent with the General Policy for National Parks.

She is urging everyone to have their say because the public has 40 days to make submissions on the proposal.

"We really need people to put submissions in - unfortunately the 40 days are in the middle of the build-up to Christmas and people are extremely busy, but this is just so important. We must fight this," she said.

"There are so many things wrong with this proposal - the tunnel is inconsistent with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy objectives as it will reduce the duration of stay within New Zealand as well as the daily spend and will limit visitor flows into the southern region.

"The existing Milford Road is recognised as one of the world's most picturesque tourist routes and there is no evidence that there is a demand for underground travel, in what can only be described as a seismically active area."

Mrs Cardno said one of the major misconceptions is that the tunnel will deliver passengers to Milford Sound.

"This is not correct as the tunnel will only deliver buses to close to the Homer Tunnel portal, which is the area of highest avalanche risk on the Milford Road. Visitors will still have about another 40km to travel before they get to Milford Sound."

The applicants have made a number of claims relating to this project being a low carbon transport option, but this is simply not possible because apart from the basics of transport and construction emissions, there will be ongoing emissions from tunnel-related water pumping, air extraction, fire suppression and so on, she said.

"This project must not be allowed to proceed as the tunnel does nothing to enhance access to and enjoyment of the Fiordland or Aspiring National Parks and if constructed, would allow an enduring private right over one of the world's most pristine National Parks," she said.

"These parks are set aside for the enjoyment of future generations and should not be carved up for big business."

Mrs Cardno is urging all New Zealanders to let their views be known by opposing this concession application via the public submission process.

"In my view, this is as big as Saving Manapouri."

Ohai Railway Fund Committee allocates grants

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Ohai Railway Fund Committee allocated $18,900 worth of grants for educational and organisational purposes at its recent meeting. Educational grants totalled $7,200 and organisational grants totalled $11,700. The approved grants for the November 2011 round are as follows:

Educational Applications

Bianca Indra Allan $1,000

Nathan Gregory Bokser $1,000

Alfie Hugh Broughton $1,000

Kelly Jean Day $300

Katie Ellen Greene $750

Joshua Arthur Mangos $750

Ruben Stewart Marshall $700 *

Kelsey Margaret Paterson $1,000

Ashlee Maureen Whipps $700

* Grant since declined by Mr Marshall

Organisational Applications

Aparima Playgroup $1,500

Nightcaps Golf & Bowling Club $6,000 plus GST

Nightcaps Playcentre Playgroup $1,000

Takitimu United Netball Club $2,000

All funding has to be obtained for the above projects before the grants are released.

Takitimu Scout Group also received $1,200.

Fleming Road closed

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Fleming Road is closed overnight because of flooding after the Mataura River burst its banks. Detour roads are signed and are passable although they have water on them as well. All other roads are open. An update will be sent out tomorrow morning.

Update on roading conditions (9am)

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Fleming Road is now open but still signed for flooding. Waters have receded enough for safe travel along the road (there is still water on the road) and water levels are dropping rapidly. Mataura Island Titiroa Bridge was flooded overnight. It is still passable but the gravel road is very soft. A load of fresh gravel will be spread there this morning.

Consent application refused

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A resource consent application from Lake Te Anau Developments Limited to undertake a 15-lot subdivision has been turned down by Southland District Council's Resource Management Committee.

The application creating 13 new rural residential lots with building platforms and earthworks at 375 Golf Course Road, 6km south-west of Te Anau, is located in the Scenic Resource Area which is considered to be an outstanding landscape in accordance with Section 6 of the Resource Management Act 1991. The Scenic Resource Area recognises the important landscape values of this area, which adjoins the Fiordland National Park.

The committee considered the adverse visual effects of the development were too great and resolved to refuse the application on this basis.

The application was publicly notified and drew a total of eight submissions, six of which were in opposition to the development, and expressed concerns regarding the adverse visual effects and potential stormwater effects of the proposal.

During the hearing in November, the applicant's consultant reduced the number of rural residential lots from 13 to 11 in an attempt to further mitigate the visual and cumulative effects of the proposal.

The committee considered expert evidence from Mike Moore and Paddy Baxter, both qualified landscape architects, who complied landscape reports for the development on the site. Mr Moore's report considered the proposed development to be too intensive for the Scenic Resource Area, and suggested that a smaller scale of development than that proposed could be undertaken on the site which would maintain the open rural character and scenic values.

There is a right of appeal to the Environment Court for the applicant and submitters - this closes after 15 working days from the decision.

Mayors decide on Anniversary Day date

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The three southern Mayors have decided Southland Anniversary Day will be celebrated on Easter Tuesday every year. Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said it is great to be able to announce a decision on when to celebrate Anniversary Day.

"We would like as many as possible to join the councils celebrating this day but it is up to individual businesses to make their own decisions."

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said this date was the obvious choice as so many organisations are using Easter Tuesday as Anniversary Day anyway.

Invercargill City Mayor Tim Shadbolt said it is important to have a united day of celebration.

"We should do something to mark the day."

Water issues discussed

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Water and wastewater quality, and stormwater were key issues for discussion for Southland District councillors at their meeting on Wednesday.

Councillors discussed draft asset management plans for solid waste, stormwater, water supply and wastewater at their activities performance audit committee meeting. These plans form the basis of the Council's draft 10-year plan, which will be released for public submission next year. The plans detail how these activities will be managed and funded throughout the upcoming ten year period.

Some of the key issues highlighted and discussed at the meetings related to future monitoring and potential improvement costs on a number of stormwater schemes across the district.

Water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said the cost of stormwater consents and the ongoing monitoring of them could potentially be in the region of $4000 a year, however this would be dependent on the resource consent conditions being finalised with Environment Southland.

Other issues raised with councillors included the probability that Council was unlikely to receive further subsidy funding for upgrades to meet tighter drinking water quality and environmental standards, and the specific challenges associated with meeting these.

Mayor Frana Cardno said she had heard discussions at Government level of increasing monitoring requirements and that will mean increasing costs as well.

Mr Evans said he was aware that the possible introduction of new national standards could have cost implications but as these were largely unknown at this stage they hadn't been factored into the plans.

Staff stay well informed on changes to technologies which could have benefits for Council schemes, or even private developments. Council was well represented at the recent Water New Zealand annual conference which is an excellent arena for keeping up to date with new ideas and innovations, and these will always be considered when looking to improve the way these activities operate.

Roading and water structure plans were also discussed at the meeting.

Office Closures - Christmas and New Year

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

All Southland District Council offices will close on Friday 23 December at 12 noon.

Office	Opening Hours
Invercargill	8.30 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Lumsden	11.00 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Otautau	8.00 am Monday, 9 January 2012
Riverton	10.00 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Stewart Island	9.00 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Te Anau	9.00 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Winton	8.30 am Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Wyndham	2.00 pm Thursday, 5 January 2012

All Southland District Council Libraries will close on Friday, 23 December 2011 at 12.00 noon (or the nearest usual opening date and time). The Library Bookbus services last day will be Thursday, 22 December 2011 and will resume on Tuesday, 17 January 2012.

Winton Library
Date	Opening Hours
Friday 23 December 2011	Open 8.30 am - 12.00noon
Saturday 24 December - 3 January 2012	Closed
Wednesday 4 January 2012	Open 8.30 am - 5.00pm

Riverton Library
Date		Opening Hours
Friday	23 December 2011	Open 8.30 am - 12.00noon
Wed - Fri	28 December - 30 December 2011	Open 10.00 am - 4.30pm (closed 12.30pm - 1.00pm)
Wed - Fri	4 January - 6 January 2012	Open 10.00 am - 4.30pm (closed 12.30pm - 1.00pm)

Otautau Library
Date		Opening Hours
Friday	23 December 2011	Open 8.00am - 12.00noon
Monday	9 January 2012	Open 8.00am - 5.00pm

Lumsden Library
Date		Opening Hours
Friday	23 December 2011	Open 10.00am - 12.00pm
Monday	26 December - 3 January 2012	Closed
Wednesday	4 January 2012	Open 11.00am - 3.00pm
Friday	6 January 2012	Open 11.00am - 3.00pm
Monday	9 January 2012	Open 10.00am - 5pm

Stewart Island Library
Date		Opening Hours
Friday	23 December 2011 - 3 January 2012	Closed
Wednesday	4 January 2012	Open 2.30 pm - 3.30pm

Wyndham Library
Date		Opening Hours
Friday	23 December 2011 - 4 January 2012	Closed
Thursday	5 January 2012	Open 2.00pm - 5.00pm 6.30pm - 8.00pm

PARKING INFRINGEMENTS FOR TE ANAU

Please Note -Te Anau PARKING INFRINGEMENTS can be paid at the Te Anau Library over the Christmas break. Customers may only pay by cheque or cash as they do not have Eftpos facilities. Otherwise payments can be made by putting an envelope containing money and ticket through the slot at the front of the Te Anau Office or posting payments to the Invercargill office or visiting any SDC Office after the Christmas break.

WHEELIE BINS DATES - CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2011 / 2012

There will be no collection on Monday, 26 December 2011 or Monday, 2 January 2012, so collection days for these weeks will be one day later than normal for all residents. (eg: Monday collections will be done on Tuesday; and Wednesdays will be on Thursday and so forth).

There will be a Saturday collection on both 31 December 2011 and 7 January 2012 (to empty Friday bins).

Normal collection days resume on Monday, 9 January 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand in some areas, the time during the day of the collection may vary, so please ensure that your wheelie bin is out by 7.30 am on your collection day.

TRANSFER STATIONS / REFUSE SITES

All SDC transfer stations will be closed on Sunday, 25 December 2011 and Sunday, 1 January 2012. All other days are as per normal opening times.

Stewart Island - Rakiura Resource Recovery Centre
Date		Opening Hours
Sunday	25 December 2011	Closed
Monday	26 December 2011	Open 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday	27 December 2011	Street rubbish collection
Wed - Sat	28 - 31 December 2011	Open 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Sunday	1 January 2012	Closed
Monday	2 January 2012	Open 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday	3 January 2012	Street rubbish collection
Wed - Sat	4 - 7 January 2012	Open 1.30pm - 4.30pm

URGENT SERVICE REQUESTS

Southland District Council provides a 24 hour answer service year round on 0800 SDC SDC (Free phone: 0800 732 732), which means you can lodge a request for service any time of the day or night, or lodge your own Request for Service here online.

When calling over the holiday period, please advise the call taker of the exact location and nature of your request and the appropriate on call person will be advised.

Staff will be available to respond to urgent service requests for the following:

Cemetery Burials
Dog and Animal Control
Water Supply Faults
Sewerage Faults
Rural Fires
Roading and Bridging Faults
Wandering Stock
Civil Defence Emergencies
Noise issues

Hosing restrictions in Riverton and Ohai

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Residents in Riverton and Ohai have hosing restrictions until 14 January or until further notice. Southland District Council water and waste assets manager Ian Evans said the restrictions in Riverton are due to low water levels and increasing pressure on the water treatment plant, while Environment Southland has asked Council to not take any more water from the source in Ohai. "All our towns are struggling to some extent with this weather but we are particularly concerned about Riverton," Mr Evans said. The Riverton supply is under pressure from high consumer demand, which is restricting the amount of water that can be pumped into the reservoir. Hosing restrictions have been made to protect the supply and maintain public health and fire-fighting capabilities.

The restrictions are as follows:

1. Odd-numbered properties may irrigate on odd-numbered days of the month and even-numbered properties on even-numbered days. For example, residents at 3 James Street may irrigate on 5 January, but not on 6 January.

2. Only hand-held hosing is permitted. The use of unattended sprinklers or irrigation systems is prohibited.

3. Hosing may only be carried out between 6pm and 9am. Hosing between 9am and 6pm is prohibited.

Total fire ban in southern district

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

A total fire ban for all of Southland and parts of the Clutha District covered by the Southern Rural Fire Authority will be in place from 8am today (Thursday 5 January). The ban means that no one can light any fires in the open and also suspends all existing fire permits. The fire ban applies to all townships within the Southland District, Gore District and Invercargill City and also prohibits people in these towns from burning rubbish, using incinerators, or cooking outdoors with open braziers or hangis.

For further information please go to www.southernruralfire.org.nz

Hosing restrictions across Southland District

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District residents are being asked to conserve water as the ongoing dry weather puts pressure on the district's 12 water schemes. Southland District Council water and waste assets manager Ian Evans said residents on the Te Anau, Manapouri, Mossburn, Ohai-Nightcaps-Wairio, Lumsden township, Orawia, Edendale-Wyndham, Otautau, Tuatapere, Riverton and Winton water supply schemes need to be careful with their use of water for the foreseeable future. "We need people to show restraint and we are also putting hosing restrictions on all townships which have council water schemes until further notice. This includes Riverton and Ohai-Nightcaps-Wairio, where the restrictions were in place already but were to end on 14 January," Mr Evans said.

The restrictions are as follows:

The use of unattended sprinklers or irrigation systems is strictly prohibited.
Only hand-held hosing is permitted.
Odd-numbered properties may irrigate on odd-numbered days of the month and even-numbered properties on even-numbered days. For example, residents at 3 James Street may irrigate on 25 January, but not on 26 January.
Hand-held hosing may only be carried out between 6pm and 9am. All hosing between 9am and 6pm is strictly prohibited.

"These measures are necessary so that we can continue to provide water to our ratepayers and for emergency services," he said. "We need to conserve water to ensure the sustainability of our district's water supplies during the rest of the summer. It will take a considerable amount of rain to see these restrictions lifted because the ground is so dry."

Meanwhile, water carriers are asked to contact Council before they take any loads from these schemes.

"We do not want to unnecessarily restrict the carriers but our primary responsibility is supplying water for our ratepayers and the emergency services. The taking of water can at times put considerable pressure on some of our smaller schemes," Mr Evans said.

He also advised that it is illegal for consumers on restricted supplies to tamper with their connections. Doing this means others on these schemes go short.

Some suggestions to conserve water are:

Fix leaking taps;
Put water in the sink to wash fruits and veggies or for rinsing dishes;
Do full loads in the dishwasher - this saves water and power.
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth or shaving;
Install a low-flow showerhead, this can save the average household 1,000 litres of water per week;
Use dual-flush on the toilet or simply place a brick or filled water bottle in the toilet cistern;
Do full loads in the washing machine.

For more tips go to this page on this website http://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/water-services/?stage=Live

Dangerous building notices for two Winton properties

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Two buildings in Winton have been issued with dangerous building notices by the Southland District Council. Council building control manager Kevin O'Connor said concerns had been raised with Council about the condition of an overhanging balcony and veranda at street frontages of 206, 208 and 212 Great North Road, Winton along with concerns about the stability of brick and a chimney at the rear of the properties.

"A building control officer has inspected the properties and found the balcony and veranda to be in a poor state of repair. There is deterioration around the structural supports that raises concern about their ongoing stability," Mr O'Connor said.

Council has contacted the owners of the properties on two occasions requesting that they engage a structural engineer to investigate the buildings structural integrity. Unfortunately there has been no response, so Council has had to issue dangerous building notices requiring engineering investigation.

"These buildings are on the main street and are in the historic precinct of Winton, so it is essential they are investigated by an engineer and if remedial work is necessary it is carried out in consultation with the Historic Places Trust," Mr O'Connor said.

Reminder to microchip your dog

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council is reminding dog owners to microchip their dogs after it has had to send out 50 infringement notices to dog owners throughout the district who have failed to do so, despite the written requests they have received. Council has been left with no alternative but to issue the fine of $300 to each of the dog owners in breach of Section 36A of the Dog Control Act 1996 which states that a microchip transponder must be implanted in certain dogs.

Dogs that must be microchipped include dogs that are classified as menacing, dangerous or were registered for the first time after 1 July 2006. Working dogs are exempt from being microchipped and their owners may obtain a working dog declaration from Council to prove this.

Animal control officer Paul Bell said the dog owners have been given every chance to microchip their dogs and have received notices from Council to warn them about the financial penalty.

"Council offers a free microchipping service that is available throughout the District in order to make it as easy as possible for owners to comply with the legislation," Mr Bell said.

"The issuing of infringements notices will be on-going to make sure that all dog owners microchip their dogs."

If a dog is lost, stolen or has strayed, a microchip will enable the dog to be easily identified when found.

"We encourage all responsible dog owners to microchip their dogs as early as possible," Mr Bell said.

Reminder to recycle responsibly

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Staff at the Rakiura Resource Recovery Centre on Stewart Island would like to remind people about the importance of responsible recycling after two isolated incidents in recent times have resulted in health and safety being compromised.

David Squire, at the Rakiura Resource Recovery Centre, recalled two specific cases where the recycling of goods by the general public could have led to serious consequences. Recently, a bag of used nappies and sanitary pads was found among a collection of baby clothes that had been left at the centre.

"The main concern here was the spreading of disease. I had to throw out the entire content of what was brought in because of the health risk," Mr Squire said.

There are also a number of cases where customers bring in ashes that, although they believe are harmless, have ignited shortly after being left at the centre. Mr Squire said that an incident of this nature took place just prior to the Christmas holidays.

"We were very lucky that the ashes in question were left outside in an open skip. If they had caught fire inside, we could have lost the whole recycling shed," he said.

Mr Squire said the majority of people who recycle are conscientious of the goods they pass on to the centre and hopes that they will continue to lead by example.

"A lot of people make a great effort to recycle responsibly. We want to remind everybody that if they can be as careful as possible with their recycling, then dangerous incidents can be avoided," he said.

Workshop on energy for Stewart Islanders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

A community event to help Stewart Islanders understand the issues and options available for alternative energy sources has been organised by the Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority, the Stewart Island Community Board and Venture Southland.

The workshop is being held from 12.30pm to 6pm on Friday 24 February at the Oban Community Hall on Stewart Island.

Southland District Council services and assets group manager Erik Barnes said this event is for the community to be able to ask questions and listen to industry experts about the pros and cons of alternative energy sources and to help Council develop an energy strategy that reduces the island's reliance on costly and environmentally damaging diesel generation.

"There are many potential options available to help SIESA provide the community with a secure and affordable power supply," Mr Barnes said.

Venture Southland's enterprise projects manager Robin McNeill said: "What we are aiming to do is give an update on where investigations are at, and look at the options we should investigate further.

"The price of electricity on the island is linked to the price of diesel and is currently nearly 60 cents per unit. However, there are some great examples of what other remote locations have done in recent years and technology has also advanced," he said.

The workshop will begin with setting the scene and outlining the challenges for Stewart Island, and will then look in some detail at the technology options. Several guest speakers are to take part, including experts in small electricity grids, hydrogen storage, and micro-hydro, wind and marine generation.

Fire ban to be lifted

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Recent rain has eased the fire danger so the fire ban across Southland will be lifted on Saturday (February 25). A total fire ban will remain in place in the Naseby area. Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said a restricted fire season will be put in place across the province, which means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire.

During a restricted season, permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Anyone who lights a fire in the open is responsible for making sure the fire is safe and does not spread, Mr Grant said.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property or has to be put out by the fire service or a rural fire crew," he said.

Authority staff are available to help with advice for landowners on fire safety and Mr Grant urges people to consider possible risks and impact of their fire and to take all necessary precautions to ensure it is safe at all times.

Fires should never be lit when it is windy, or strong winds are forecast.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority staff issue permits, but it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Grant urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

Fire permit applications can be made by phoning 0800 773 363.

Update on Roading Conditions - 9.30am February 27

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

All roads are now open in Southland, but the Pyramid Bridge remains closed. Roads around the Waikaia are open but drivers are advised to take care on them. The Pyramid Bridge will remain closed until a report is carried out on it.

Holz and Fleming Roads in the south-eastern area of Southland are both open this morning as well.

For state highway conditions, please check www.nzta.govt.nz and for further general roading updates check www.aa.co.nz

A further update will be sent out if necessary.

Hosing restrictions lifted across Southland District

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

All hosing restrictions are being lifted by Southland District Council as of March 1, 2012. Southland District Council water and waste assets manager Ian Evans said the water supply schemes at Te Anau, Manapouri, Mossburn, Ohai-Nightcaps-Wairio, Lumsden township, Orawia, Edendale-Wyndham, Otautau, Tuatapere, Riverton and Winton are now no longer under pressure as there has been plenty of rain that has filled reservoirs, aquifers, rivers and lakes.

Although the restrictions are to be lifted, Council still asks residents to be mindful of how much water they use and when they use it.

"I would like to thank all the Southland District residents for their patience and support through a very dry period. Our schemes were able to keep up with water demand because of this support," Mr Evans said.

Delegation to formalise relationship

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

A Education Southland delegation is heading to Thailand this month to be part of events and ceremonies organised to formalise relationships between Chiang Mai and Southland. Venture Southland group manager Rex Capil said Education Southland is an international student recruitment marketing initiative established in 2003 to coordinate a collective approach to market Southland as a quality education destination to the rest of the world.

"Venture Southland coordinates and leads this initiative - and it involves schools from across Southland - including Fiordland College, Central Southland College, St Peter's College, James Hargest College, Southland Boys' High School, Southland Girls' High School and Waihopai Primary School. It is a great example of Venture Southland supporting the region's economic and community development by working alongside the education sector," Mr Capil said.

Southland education representatives have developed very positive relationships with Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Municipality. After the memorandum was signed in 2011, Chiang Mai representatives invited Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno to attend the formal functions and induction events in Chiang Mai.

The SDC Friendship Committee has identified this unique opportunity as a chance to foster wider relationships with Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Municipality at a local government level. So Mrs Cardno and Council Friendship Committee Chair Cr Paul Duffy will join the Education Southland delegation. The events will also be attended by the Chiang Mai Mayor and Municipality officials, Education New Zealand representatives and the New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand.

Mrs Cardno said it is important Southland thinks of the future and doesn't let the rest of the world pass us by.

"The Education Southland initiative is a great example of that forward thinking and I commend our Southland schools and Venture Southland for their hard work. This brings the young people from throughout the world to our region and allows young Southlanders and our communities to experience and interact with other cultures and learn new ways," she said.

"It is great the SDC Friendship Committee has been able to 'piggy back' on this education initiative to develop links with Chiang Mai and ensure Southland can further develop opportunities on the global stage. We must not isolate ourselves from the modern global world - but be part of it - and the SDC Friendship Committee plays an important role in developing these links."

Two days following this official civic event in Chiang Mai 30 students and a staff representative from The Prince Royal's College will make their way to Southland to participate in an eight-week cultural and study tour programme organised by Venture Southland. Many students will also have family visit while they are studying in Southland. As well as this - a further eight students and four staff and board representatives will arrive in April when the students will start their year-long study.

It is estimated that the direct economic benefits of this initiative to the Southland economy are to the value of $300,000. There are also significant indirect economic benefits with additional spend flowing in to the region's economy by other school representatives and family members visiting Southland. This will happen annually and has the potential for numbers to grow, as the Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for a five year period.

This latest international alliance for our Southland schools adds considerable momentum to the SDC Friendship Committee developing its relationship with the Chiang Mai Municipality. The SDC Friendship Committee has previously identified an opportunity to link with the significant groundwork done by Venture Southland and Education Southland participating schools to advance this relationship with Chiang Mai.

As part of the official duties while in Chiang Mai Mrs Cardno and Cr Duffy will also represent the SDC Friendship Committee in further advancing discussions with the Chiang Mai Mayor and Municipality officials on initiatives associated with youth development, environmental and sustainability issues, tourism, global citizenship, economic development opportunities and obviously education. It is anticipated these other areas of development will provide further economic, social and community development benefits to the Southland region.

Chiang Mai Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn has previously indicated an interest in visiting Southland in the future and an official invitation will be extended for him to bring a delegation to Southland.

New service provider for SIESA

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council has awarded the management contract for the electricity network on Stewart Island to Power Services Ltd. For the past five years PowerNet has had the management contract, and has sub-contracted it to Power Services.

PowerNet general manager network operations Gary Pritchard said the five-year contract was completed in February, but PowerNet will continue to support Power Services.

"During the five-year period, PowerNet developed an asset management strategy and provided general maintenance service across the network through its contractor Power Services. The relationship has made a difference to the overall strategic management of the network," Mr Pritchard said.

Council's group manager services and assets Erik Barnes said Power Services had been carrying out the operational aspects of the contract and had a strong presence on Stewart Island, so when the old contract ended, it made sense to contract directly with the provider.

"Council thanks PowerNet for the work they have done and it is great that the two companies will continue to work together. This can only be good for Stewart Island and the island network. We look forward to working with Power Services in progressing the island's energy needs, especial in exploring alternative energy options."

Power Services general manager Keith Burns said the change in the management of the contract will be seamless for the consumers and Power Services looks forward to working with Council to ensure SIESA is supported.

Preliminary draft 10-year plan discussed

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Audit New Zealand will now spend the next few weeks auditing Southland District Council's draft 10-year plan prior to its approval and release for public consultation on April 4. Council group manager customer and financial services Bede Carran said the proposed district rate increase is 5.61%.

Of this increase, 1% is to cover the large increase in insurance costs following the Christchurch earthquake and other natural disasters. Another 1% is to cover the 1% reduction of road funding from Central Government.

"If we also take off the 0.6% which covers one-off grants, our proposed rates increase is close to the Consumer Price Index. It is also important to note the proposed increase is lower than that proposed in the last Long Term Community Council Plan."

Councillors went through the draft plan in detail and discussed some of the key issues, including district funding of water and sewerage, roading matters and grants and donations.

Stewart Island visitor levy becomes law

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

The Stewart Island/Rakiura visitor levy has become law after being read for a third and final time by Parliament. Senior policy analyst Wayne Heerdegen said the levy is a great example of a council, MPs and the community working together for the betterment of that community.

"Council thanks all members of Parliament for their support of this Bill. Thanks must be especially given to MP Eric Roy for sponsoring the Bill, steering it through the intricacies of Parliament and keeping it on track whenever it was faced with obstacles," Mr Heerdegen said.

The levy's developments will be well received by the Stewart Island community as it will provide an alternative source of revenue to rates that is dedicated to the infrastructure, services and amenities for visitors to the island.

Mayor Frana Cardno and chief executive David Adamson have welcomed the final reading.

The new law allows Council to formally receive and spend the income generated from the proposed levy on behalf of the Stewart Island/Rakiura community and work with the Stewart Island Community Board and tourism industry to administer the levy.

"Visitor levies are common throughout Europe, the US and Australia. Stewart Island is the third largest island of New Zealand and a levy is a reliable, fair and efficient way to collect money for subsidising the costs of international and domestic visitors to the island," Mr Heerdegen said.

Council concerned about rural health services

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Southland District Council is concerned about the future of rural health services in Southland. Representatives from Tuatapere spoke to Council's policy review committee meeting in Riverton on Wednesday about the planned funding cut to Tuatapere's maternity services by the Southern District Health Board.

Deputy Mayor Jim Copland said Council supports the retention of rural health services throughout Southland, including maternity. Council recognises the viability of these services often depends on the symbiotic nature of them all.

"We are seeing an increase in births in the rural communities and the services like that at Tuatapere, Winton and Lumsden provide an essential service for all families in Southland," Cr Copland said.

Land use changes such as increasing dairy farming is bringing younger families back into the district and women are also choosing to have their babies closer to home.

Maternity services are one part of the services offered by Waiau Health at Tuatapere, but "taking a little bit from here and taking a bit from there weakens the whole," he said.

"It's like a pack of cards."

Council Draft 10 Year Plan approved

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

The Southland District Council is proposing a 5.61% rise for district rates for 2012-13 in its draft 10 Year Plan, released for public consultation at yesterday's Council meeting. Councillors approved the draft plan, which will be available online tomorrow (Thursday, April 5), and a summary document should arrive in every district mailbox mid-April. Submissions close on May 9.

Southland Mayor Frana Cardno said the proposed rates increase is less than what was in the last 10 year plan and is made up of a 1% increase in insurance costs, a 1% increase to cover Central Government's reduction in road funding, and additional funding for grants to Stadium Southland and the Regional Heritage Trust.

"Council is pleased to approve this draft plan - we believe we are balancing the needs of our communities alongside ratepayer affordability," Mrs Cardno said.

One of the major proposed changes in the draft plan is the district funding of water and sewerage. In this proposal, ratepayers across the district will pay one rate for drinking water and one for sewerage if they are connected to or are able to be connected to a council scheme. Each rate is calculated based on the cost of the entire network of water/sewerage schemes in Southland District and includes operating and future capital costs.

"Some of our smaller communities are facing large costs in renewals and replacements, and this proposal will help make this more affordable for them," Mrs Cardno said.

It is important that all residents have a say on the issues and she encouraged everyone to read the summary document when it arrives, or go online to read the full draft and make a submission.

Submissions will be heard by Council on June 6 and 7. Council will amend the draft plan based on the submissions and adopt the 10 Year Plan on June 27.

Council proposes changes to its bookbus service

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council is proposing changes to its bookbus service in the Draft Long Term Plan to cater for usage demands and declines across the District. Covering 11% of the land area of New Zealand, Southland District Council's bookbus service aims to ensure that library services are readily accessible to all residents and ratepayers, particularly those who do not live near a library.

The bookbus currently visits 35 locations and operates 43 stops on a fortnightly or monthly cycle. This accounts for nearly 25% of the total number of books that are issued through Southland District Council's Libraries service.

Usage patterns have shown declines in some areas of the District and increases in others so Council is looking at changing the bookbus service to meet these trends. Dacre, Mokoreta, Glenham, Colac Bay, Thornbury, Drummond, Five Rivers, Wendon and Wendonside are among the stops that are proposed to be removed from the bookbus network. This would mean that library patrons of these areas would have to access the bookbus at the next closest stops.

"The Council constantly reviews how it delivers its library service. The number of book issues from the nine stops proposed to be discontinued is considered too low to warrant the costs of the bookbus operation," Council's libraries manager Lynda Hodge said.

Southland District Council is proposing to replace the existing bookbus, which has travelled more than 300,000 kilometres, with a smaller vehicle that will be cheaper, more energy efficient and safer to operate.

"Transporting large sections of Council's libraries catalogue in the existing bookbus, when only a small portion of these may be of interest to patrons on any given day, is not the best way to continue to deliver the service in the future. The proposed reconfigured vehicle would carry a smaller, but highly popular, selection of books with more of a focus on the provision of users' pre-arranged selections," Mrs Hodge said.

Council is currently calling for submissions on these proposed changes as part of its Long Term Plan submission process until 9 May.

"These proposals are by no means cast in stone and we would like as much feedback as possible from the community on these before making a decision," Mrs Hodge said. "I would encourage anyone with an interest in these matters to lodge a submission and let Southland District Council know how you feel about the proposed changes."

229 submissions to Draft Long Term Plan

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council has received 229 submissions to its Draft Long Term Plan, the highest number of submissions to a Draft Long Term Plan to date. Policy and Planning Manager Susan Cuthbert said these submissions will form an integral part of the Long Term Plan process going forward.

"It's great that so many ratepayers have taken the time to share their opinions on the Draft Long Term Plan. The high number of submissions from the community enables Council to take on board the views of those who will be affected by the issues most," Ms Cuthbert said.

Over half of the submissions were based on the proposed funding of water and sewerage in the District. Other topics that attracted a high number of submissions included the funding of public conveniences, the funding proposed for Curio Bay and changes to the bookbus service.

A total of 38 people have indicated on their submissions that they want to speak at the hearing. "Council staff are now in the process of summarising the submissions. After that, we will get staff comment and then send the summaries out to Councillors to read before the hearings next month," Ms Cuthbert said.

Submissions closed yesterday and will be heard by Council on 6 and 7 June. The final plan will be brought to Council for adoption on 27 June.

Stewart Island levy update

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Southland District Council is progressing with plans for the administration of the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy and will be working with key stakeholders, the Community Board and the Stewart Island community to put a transparent and robust system in place.

Policy and Planning Manager Susan Cuthbert said that Council is looking at a number of options for collecting the levy.

"Council is now at the stage of making the levy a reality. While the legislation empowers the Council to set a levy by creating a bylaw, there are a number of issues that need to be worked through in order to develop a levy system that works well in practice," Ms Cuthbert said.

The Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowerment Act 2012 was passed into law on 26 March 2012 and empowers Southland District Council to set and collect levies from passengers travelling to and from Stewart Island. The visitor levy will help fund the infrastructure used on the Island by the thousands of short-term international and domestic tourists that visit every year.

"Council will be working closely with stakeholders including cruise ship, ferry and air flight operators and the Stewart Island Community Board to develop a discussion document which looks at how Council proposes to set, collect and allocate the levy," Ms Cuthbert said.

The discussion document is planned to go out for public consultation in July.