Western Bay of Plenty District Council- Submission updates 2022/23
We have submitted to Council on four different processes.
- Council has consulted on their seal extension prioritisation policy, which outlines how rural roads are prioritised for seal. We noted that roading is a significant cost that rural rate payers pay each year through the roading rate, fixed uniform targeted roading rate, and rural works charge. Council proposed a criteria which uses calculations of traffic volumes and the degree of exposure of dust based on dwelling density to determine prioritisation. We urged council to consider the proportion of heavy truck movements in traffic volumes. Further, for dust exposure, we recommended that effects on other rural enmities should be considered, such as dairy sheds, yards, orchards, crops, and community facilities. We noted that the upgrade of all rural roads should be prioritised, considering the significant contributions that farmers pay toward roading in general rates, and the importance of roading to farm inputs and outputs.
- The policy on the maintenance of previously unmaintained roads was also available for feedback. We made comments on the general approach, which had certain requirements to be met for a road to be maintained including all landowners writing to Council, and unrealistic proximity requirements of dwellings. Once again, we recommended that other rural amenities are considered in terms of road maintenance to reflect the rural landscape.
- In terms of proposed fees and charges for 2022/23, Council proposed increases to dog impoundment fees which we supported. Council is proposing to charge one household equivalent as base charge for community housing and papakāinga, with a 100 percent reduction in financial contributions for developments up to 10 dwellings. We requested Council provides justification and explanation of the changes against impacts on Council services, and any potential impacts for general rate payers. Council is also proposing increases to fees for subdivisions, land use applications, and monitoring and compliance changes. The proposed increases are minimum fees regardless, and any costs associated with processing over and above this figure are charged to the Applicant, so we were neutral on the changes. Council also proposed charges for pre-application meetings – we did not agree with this as the free service establishes connection with Council and encourages engagement. We recommended the free service is capped at 1 hour.
- Council also consulted on their rates remission and postponement policy. We largely supported the policy with some amendments to ensure they were fit for purpose for rural rating units and our members.
Our full submissions can be reviewed on the right.
For further enquires or queries, please contact:
Jesse Brennan
Senior Policy Advisor
M: 027 226 5585
E: [email protected]