Michael’s Column –  Stratford Press
11 June 2009


Draft Long Term Plan

The draft Long Term Plan for 2009-2019 has progressed to the stage of being audited, after which it can be adopted and the rates for 2009/10 set.

Thank you to all who took the time to make a submission and express your opinion on the future of Stratford.


Government’s Rates Rebate

This is your last chance to apply for this rebate. So far 347 ratepayers have received an average of $474 each. Please contact the Service Centre to see if you are eligible.


Roading

Vegetation trimming has been carried out on Mangare, Prospect, Marco, Mangaowata, Tahora, Waiau, Raekohua, Moki, Mt Damper and Rimuputa Roads. Junction, Mangamaire, Mangaoapa, Tawhiwhi, Mohakau and Upper Mangaehu Roads have been graded. Maintenance metalling was undertaken on Junction, Raupuha and Tawhiwhi Roads.

Short sections of Makuri Rd and Croyden Rd have been realigned to retreat from underslips. Crack repairs, corrosion treatment and sight-rail painting has been done on Bird Rd No 2 bridge.


Building Work

April saw 30 building consents, bringing the year to date total to 281 compared to 289 in the previous year. The value of the building work is $17,053,338 compared to $18,849,670 in the previous year.


Regulatory

Dog complaints for the year are at 239, compared to 281 the previous year. Dogs impounded are 63 compared to 57, with dogs reclaimed at 36 compared to 44.

Noise complaints are at 135 compared to 151 and smoke complaints at 20 compared to 37. Abandoned cars are 10 compared to 22 last year.


Consents

Resource consents are at 58, consisting of 29 landuse and 29 subdivision. Last year saw 93 consents made up of 38 landuse and 55 subdivisions. The year prior to that saw 99, made up of 29 landuse and 70 subdivisions.


Radio Update

You can catch the Stratford District Council update every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:05am on the 1557AM Coast Breakfast Programme.

Remember you can contact us if you have any issues or feedback – we want to hear from you. You can phone us on 06 7656099 or email me at ceo@stratford.govt.nz

Michael