Our blueprint for the District for the next decade, the 2021 - 2031 10-Year-Plan has been adopted. It delivers a district-wide average rate increase of 6.42% for the 2021/22 financial year, which is lower than expected. We want to thank everyone who took the time to give us feedback on the plan. Learn more by reading our news item.
The Council has considered feedback to its 10-Year-Plan and will be adopting its 2021 - 2031 10-Year-Plan soon.
We've been working on a plan for the next 10 years, looking at what needs to be done to help our District move forward.
We’re facing some big challenges. Replacing ageing infrastructure and continuing to deliver essential services (ie the water that comes out of your tap and the waste that goes down your drain) are driving capital expenditure over the next 10 years.
Apart from sticking to the basics, we also know from our Residents' Survey that you want to make our District a place people will chose to live.
We want the same. However, as we look to the future we need to balance our core activities, meeting government regulations and our aspirations for a more vibrant community with what we can afford.
We want to hear your thoughts. It's important to read our consultation document Ready to Grow as well as the supporting document. Feedback is open until 5:00pm Wednesday 19 May.
Introducing The Issues
How should we fund the separation of wastewater and stormwater pipelines on private properties?
In recent years we’ve been taking a hard look at Gore and Mataura’s infrastructure and how well it’s working for our community. To look after our community’s wellbeing and get the best out of our infrastructure, we need to separate wastewater and stormwater pipelines, both on public and private land.
The costs of stormwater separation are substantial. To resolve capacity issues in Gore’s public stormwater network alone would cost about $175 million.
Installing new stormwater mains in the road reserve is only part of the solution. To get the maximum benefit, we need private properties to separate their stormwater/wastewater mains. We would like your feedback on how we should fund private property separation work.
What is the future of the old Gore Library?
With the development of the Gore Library's new future home almost underway, the question now is 'what's to become of the old library building?'
Located in the heritage precinct, the building is in a prime position, which means we need to think carefully about its future use. We have made significant investment in the heritage precinct and see heritage tourism as a key driver of economic development in the District.
The Maruawai Precinct project and Hokonui Moonshine Museum redevelopment will become flagship attractions for the District, and indeed Southland, when they are finished. Perhaps the last piece of the precinct puzzle is the old library building. We have three options we'd like your feedback on.
What should we do with the Rural Special Fund?
The Rural Special Fund was set up in 1989 with money from the former Southland County Council given to Gore District following local government amalgamation. Over the years the fund has been used to subsidise rural rates, and provide grants and loans to the rural community. No money has been given out in over 10 years. The fund currently sits at $512,000.
We believe it’s time to look at the fund’s future and whether it should be closed.
The primary aim of the fund is to support rural ratepayers. Therefore, it’s appropriate to disperse it in a way that benefits rural residents. Maybe it could be used to reduce debt on the new Pyramid Bridge. What do you think?
Have Your Say
You can find out more about the issues, as well as the challenges ahead in our consultation document Ready to Grow. There's also more information in our Infrastructure Strategy and Financial Strategy.
Complete our online feedback form below to let us know what you think about our key issues, or anything else in the 10-Year-Plan.
Alternatively, you can download the feedback form on this page and either
- Scan and email to: info@goredc.govt.nz
- Post to: Gore District Council, 10-Year-Plan Consultation, P O Box 8, Gore 9740
- Hand deliver to: Civic Administration Building 29 Bowler Avenue, Gore
2021 - 2031 Infrastructure Strategy.pdf (2.39 MB) (pdf)