Three years spent examining every project that the Queenstown Lakes District Council planned to deliver has resulted in a significant reduction in the Council’s capital programme and debt levels, QLDC deputy chief executive and general manager finance Stewart Burns said.

 In 2009 the Council reached the position where it became obvious that the later years of it’s 10-Year Plan were not affordable.

 Councillors and staff then got on with the business of analysing all expenditure, testing solutions, testing timing and testing priorities.

 “The 2009 forecast debt level by 2019 was $393 million, in 2012 the 10-year forecast is now $170 million, not only a major improvement but also allowing Council considerable headroom,’ Mr Burns said.

 The draft 10-Year Plan, due to be adopted on 3 April 2012 and consulted on during April/May also included an average rate increase over the 10-year period of 4.6% with the 2012 rate increase set at an average of 2.8% (after allowing for growth).

 “It’s a great result but there are a number of big issues that Council needs to hear from the community on before finally adopting the plan in June,” Mr Burns said.

 A 10-Year Plan summary would be distributed widely in mid-April, with the plan and submission forms online for the first time.

 The Council had identified seven big issues, which the community could genuinely influence. They are: financial affordability; community facilities including the Wanaka Sports Facility; Wakatipu wastewater treatment (Project Shotover); Wanaka water supply (algae); Water Demand Management; Rates Review; and a District Events Office.

 “It is very rewarding and a testament to the hard work of the 10-Year Plan steering committee that yesterday the draft plan received an unqualified audit opinion. What that means is effectively an endorsement of three years of hard work,” Mr Burns said.

 The draft documents would be viewed online from tomorrow at www.qldc.govt.nz.

 ENDS

For further information please contact Stewart Burns 03 3441 0499.

By: Meaghan Miller