Southland District Council News

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 $80,000

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

A total of $84,037 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 ... 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: $12,750

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: $42.150.

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: $6,375.

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.