Submission

Federated Farmers submission for Hurunui District Council Long Term Plan

- Federated Farmers acknowledges the factors leading to increases in expenditure above the rate of inflation in the short term which have led to projected rate increases above the current rate of inflation throughout the period of this LTP. Council’s self-imposed limits (8.5% for year 1, 6.5% for year 2 and 5.0% for the remainder of the LTP) are well above the rate of inflation. Increases of this size are not sustainable in the long term. The intention needs to be stated that, long term, rate increases should not exceed the rate of inflation.

- We support Option 1 for the repayment of earthquake debt, although we would be happy for the repayment period to be extended if affordability was a critical issue.

- Good quality roads are crucial to support thriving rural communities and economies. Therefore, Federated Farmers supports the preference of Council to position itself to attract the full funding from NZTA (to cover 51% of roading costs). In addition, we urge Council to strongly advocate to central Government.