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Issue #70 - April 2013
Disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and storms can
happen at any time, any where. All disasters have the potential to
cause disruption, damage property and take lives. Get ready now so
you can get through! Many disasters will affect essential services
and possibly disrupt your ability to travel or communicate with
anyone. You may be confined to your home, or the complete opposite,
forced to evacuate. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster,
emergency services will not be able to help everyone as quickly as
needed. It is situations like these where it is so important
to have an emergency plan, that way you can look after yourself
and your loved ones for at least three days or more in the event of
a disaster. Involve the whole family in creating and agreeing on a
plan that works for
everyone. This will help to alleviate fears about a potential
disaster and allow household members to respond quickly and safely
when a disaster happens.A household emergency plan will define: •
What you will each do in the event of a disaster. • How and where
you will meet up. • Where emergency survival items are stored
and
who is responsible for maintaining/monitoring supplies.
• What you have in your getaway kit and the location of the
kit.
• What you will do for pets, domestic animals or livestock.
• The local radio station to tune into for civil defence
information during an event. In most emergencies you should be able
to stay in your home. Plan to be able to look after yourself and
your household for at least three days or more.
Assemble and maintain your emergency survival items for your
home as well as a portable getaway kit in case you have to leave in
a hurry.
Food and Water for at least three days • Non-perishable food
(canned or dried). • Food, formula and drinks for babies
and small children.
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News and information from the Buller District Council - Te
takiwä kaunihera o Kawatiri
Emergency preparedness • Water – at least three litres per
person per day
– for drinking. • Water for washing and cooking. • A primus or
gas barbeque to cook on. • A can opener. Check and replace food and
water every twelve months.An Emergency Survival Kit needs to have:
• Torch with spare batteries or a
self-charging torch. • Radio with spare batteries. • Wind and
waterproof
clothing, sun hats and strong outdoor shoes.
• First aid kit and essential medicines.
• Blankets or sleeping bags. • Pet supplies • Emergency toilet –
toilet
paper and large rubbish bags. • Face and dust masks. • Check all
batteries every three
months.In the event of a disaster your best method of being kept
informed is through the radio, so it is imperative that you have a
battery operated radio. The following radio networks work
collaboratively with Civil Defence emergency management authorities
to broadcast important information and advice in an emergency: •
National Radio • Newstalk ZB • Classic Hits • Radio Live • Coast
FMIn an emergency find and tune in to your local station as they
will broadcast official Civil Defence information that is
appropriate for your community and situation. Record the
frequencies for your local stations in your Emergency Plan, these
can be found on the Civil Defence page of our Council website
www.bullerdc.govt.nz/civil-defence. For more information on how you
can prepare yourself, your household, workplace or community in the
event of a disaster visit www.getthru.govt.nz
Message from Mayor 2 & Chief Executive
What’s new @ Buller 3 Libraries
Solid Energy Centre 3
NBS Theatre 3
Notes and Notices 4
Direct debit your rates 4
Draft Annual Plan 4 2013-2014
Dog resistration coming up! 4
Rural town water supplies 4
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Annual Report SummaryFor year ended 30 June 2010
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Message from Mayor & Chief Executive - Annual Plan
2013/2014Laying the Foundations for the Future
In our Long Term Plan (LTP) for 2012-2022, we have outlined the
projects we were going to deliver over the next ten years and, most
importantly, how we were going to pay for them.In economic terms it
has been a difficult year on the West Coast. Buller District
relinquished its hold on the top spot for regional economic growth.
However, Buller has managed to stay in the top ten, claiming 9th
place in 2012 and is still the strongest performer on the West
Coast. Buller employs 5,100 FTEs and generates $400 million in GDP
across 1,200 businesses. Over the five year period, Buller has had
the strongest employment growth of all districts. Over a five year
period, GDP growth has been relatively solid, with the 12th fastest
rate of growth.Despite the recent short-term economic setbacks in
the mining industry, we are confident that mining will continue to
grow and continue to underpin industry and employment within the
District. The Annual Plan for 2013/14 will continue delivering the
growth strategy set by the 2012-2022 Long Term Plan. This 2013/14
draft Annual Plan represents year two of the 2012-2022 Long Term
Plan.Our predicted financial performance remains strong with
operating revenue increasing as a result of a larger than
anticipated drinking water subsidy for the Westport Water Upgrade.
Increases in operating expenditure are partially driven by
inflation and delays in the commencement of the proposed Solid
Waste contract. This has resulted in higher than anticipated costs
associated with refuse, recycling and operation of the transfer
station. Not withstanding those individual cost increases, the
overall cost of operating the Council has only increased by a
modest amount, which is good news for ratepayers.We remain
committed to addressing the infrastructure deficits built up by
under-investment in earlier years. This will increase debt in the
short term but our net debt levels will continue to reduce over the
next 10 years. Prudent use of debt remains an important tool for
Council. If used for community assets that have a long life, debt
spreads the costs over those generations that benefit, in a manner
that is fair and affordable. The key capital spends focus area for
the next two years is the Westport and other smaller drinking water
supply upgrades. In order to be successful and move ahead, we
really do need
to invest in the modern safe core infrastructure our district
needs and deserves.Initially we had planned to phase in the
Westport water upgrade over the ten years of the Long Term Plan.
But during 2012 and 2013, staff and Councillors held public
meetings with ratepayers. Ratepayers told us that clean safe
drinking water is their number one priority. Feedback received from
the Westport Concept Plan confirmed that before we did anything
else we had to “fix the water first”.We have listened and now we
want to act. We are now proposing to complete the upgrade of the
Westport Water Supply over the next two financial years at a cost
of $9 million. Initially the experts offered three forms of
upgrade. We could have a complete upgrade of everything, or we
could leave out some nice but perhaps not essential components and
have a partial upgrade, or we could just do the bare basics. In the
2013/2014 Annual Plan, Council has proposed that we opt for the
middle course of a partial upgrade as the one which offers the best
value for money. This upgrade not only delivers clean safe drinking
water but also improves the reliability of the supply by upgrading
the trunk main. Each of these options comes at different costs and
as a consequence different target rates. Full details of the
different upgrades, the capital costs, and the size of the rates
bill that follows are set out on in the draft Annual Plan.We are
keen to hear your views on the proposed Westport water upgrade
scenarios. If you think that we should have selected one of the
other options please let us know.We have already completed the
Punakaiki and Reefton drinking water upgrades. The next in line are
the Ngakawau-Hector and Waimangaroa upgrades which will be
substantially completed in 2013/2014. In this plan, we also propose
consideration of the Little Wanganui, Inangahua Junction and South
Granity drinking water upgrades. We will also undertake an
investigation to determine if an upgrade of the Karamea water
supply is feasible.Council is progressing the move to a
comprehensive modern rubbish and recycling service. Expressions of
interest have been sought from independent contractors for the
proposed solid waste contract and Council will shortly be entering
into a tendering process with the preferred providers. This will
expand the service collection area for refuse and recycling
throughout the District and the approach will lead to cost
savings in Solid Waste. Final cost and expected supplementary user
charges will become available during the consultation period for
the draft Plan and those figures will be taken into account before
any final decision is made.Originally we planned to have the new
Solid Waste service in place by 1 July 2013, but the new target
date is 1 January 2014. Unfortunately the delay in the commencement
of the Solid Waste contract has resulted in increased costs as the
existing service and cost structure has to be maintained until the
end of 2013. The cost of rates is an issue that will never go away.
A key project for 2013/2014 financial year is the rating review.
Background information should be available to the Council and the
public prior to October 2013, but the substantive review will be
undertaken by the incoming Council after October 2013. At this
stage we know that the average annual rates remains close to the
median annual average rates reported by the Department of Internal
Affairs in 2012. There does not seem to be so much a problem as to
the amount of rates that we collect in total, but more of a problem
in how we calculate individual rates and how much individual
ratepayers should pay as a fair share. The large number of fixed
amount target rates, and a UAGC set at the maximum level, has
combined to produce geographic distortions. We also have the
inheritance of 44 differentials on the general rate which further
contorts the rating impact.The review will address the rationale
for how the rates burden has been allocated, with the intention
being to deliver a more equitable, simple, and transparent rating
system. We now need your input on the proposals in this draft Plan
in order that we can make the best choices for our district. We
want to emphasise that no decisions will be made until after we
hear from you. This document is only a draft Plan. Consultation
remains open until Monday 6 May 2013, so please have your say. Any
amendments will be incorporated when Council adopts the Final Plan
in June 2013.
Pat McManus Paul Wylie Mayor Chief Executive
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What’s new @ Buller LibrariesW I N D O W S T O R E A D I N G . .
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NEW BOOK AT THE LIBRARYDo you own a 1/4 acre residential
property and have thought about subdividing it?
Are you a property developer and want to take the next step up
with residential subdivisions?Or do you simply just want to know
the steps to perform a residential subdivision? A new book
available at Buller District Library appears to be a helpful
complete guide on 1/4 acre residential property subdivisions in New
Zealand. It is based on the experiences of the author, Toa
Greening, when sub-dividing a quarter acre section. It will show
how property owners could gain through property subdivision. More
importantly it will teach how to
successfully subdivide property yourself with step by step
advice for avoiding some common pitfalls. By the end of this book
readers will learn the various aspects of property investments,
purchasing their first home, rental property, selling properties
and residential subdivisions. Readers will also learn how to avoid
property development mistakes. Finally, this book is a brief
snapshot of those property development experiences the author made
between 1995 and 2010, including some personal opinions as well as
never seen before analysis on the New Zealand property booms of the
last two decades.
For more information ring NBS Theatre 789 4219 or see our
website www.nbstheatre.co.nz See ya at the theatre.
April14th April – Kings of the Gym – Live theatre/comedy21st
April - Kath Bee and her band presents “Grandparents Rock” - live
music for children of all ages! and balloon bees23rd-27th April –
Westport Performing Arts Competitions
WHATS IN IT FOR ME?
► Full Gym Access ► FREE access to 26 Fitness Classes* ► 2 FREE
Personal Training Sessions ► FREE Programme ► Nutritional Advice ►
Highly skilled staff, ongoing support
from 15th March until 30th April 2013 * Excluding Boot Camp and
Aqua Aerobics
Coming up at the NBS TheatreMay4-5th - Best of the West Awards -
25th Year11th – Haggis Sandwich – Celtic flavoured music27th –
Westport Early Learning Centre presents NIGEL LATTA
This book is only one example of the many titles we have for
residential development, home builders, renovators or even
landscape designers. Ratepayers or permanent residents in the
Buller district qualify for free membership at Buller district
libraries in Westport and Reefton. Contact us on 03 788-8030 to
find out more or check www.bullerdc.govt.nz/library
The Buller District library is now officially on Facebook! Like
us to follow our news, events, celebrations and more. We’ll be
posting lots of interesting stuff, photos, and answering any
questions you might have!
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Notes and NoticesYou are warmly invited to attend the Council
meetings listed below.
CouNCIL24 April 2013, Starting at 2pm Solid Energy Centre,
Westport
22 May 2013, Starting at 2pm Solid Energy Centre, Westport
26 June 2013, Starting at 2pm Council Chambers, Palmerston
Street
If you have any enquiries regarding the above Council meetings,
or would like to indicate your interest in speaking during the
public forum, please contact Linda Pablecheque 788 9642.
If you have any enquiries regarding the above meeting, or would
like to indicate your interest in speaking at the public forum,
please contact Mary Wilson at [email protected] or 788 9618.
Rural town water supplies – public noticeThe Buller District
Council wishes to advise and/or remind all consumers on the rural
town water supplies at Little Wanganui Subdivision, Mokihinui,
Ngakawau/Hector, South Granity and Waimangaroa, to boil all
drinking water and water used for food preparation for at least
three minutes.These water supplies are untreated and originate from
bush catchments where there is always a potential for the water to
be contaminated from a variety of animal and bird life.
WESTPoRT address Brougham Street PO Box 21 Westport 7866 ph 03
788 9111 fax 03 788 8041 free phone 0800 807 239
REEFToN address 66 Broadway PO Box 75 Reefton 7851 ph 03 732
8821 fax 03 732 8822 free phone 0800 808 821
Solid Energy Centre address Corner Pakington and Domett Streets
Westport ph 789 8316
www.solidenergycentre.co.nz
NBS Theatre address 105 Palmerston Street Westport ph 789
4219
www.nbstheatre.co.nz
Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library address Palmerston Street
Westport ph 788 8030 fax 788 8147
24 Hour Noise Control Services ph 788 9115
24 Hour Animal Control Services ph 788 9111
After hours operations emergencies Westport ph 788 9119 Reefton
ph 732 8092- cemeteries - roading - sewerage - rural fire -
stormwater - water - refuse - council property
Buller District Council email [email protected] website
www.bullerdc.govt.nz
The Buller Community Newsletter is produced by Buller Printing
for Buller District Council. For circulation enquiries, please
contact Buller Printing on ph 789 8858. For editorial enquiries,
please contact Buller District Council on 788 9111.
Direct debit your rates
Paying your rates in quarterly instalments is often a strain on
the finances as bills are always coming in. You have the option to
pay your rates in instalments of weekly, fortnightly, or monthly to
spread the cost and ease the financial pressure. You can also
choose to have your rates direct debited quarterly or annually. All
you need to do is complete a Rates direct debit application form
which can be collected from Council offices in Westport or Reefton
or from our website www.bullerdc.govt.nz/rates.When you sign up to
the direct debit system of payment, your rates will automatically
adjust at the beginning of the new financial year. So for example,
if your rates increase by $10 per week or decrease by $10 per week
for the year starting 1 July – 30 June, the new amount is what
is
deducted from your account. This means you don’t have to worry
about making sure the correct amount is being deducted.
Dog registration coming up!July is the time to get your pooch
registered for the year. You can start pre-paying your dog
registration now if you like. The price for registration hasn’t
been confirmed yet but it is expected that the changes in the
Animal Control area will be minimal. You will receive a letter from
Council in June advising the cost to register your dog/dogs and the
date which this needs to be paid by. If you have moved recently,
please ensure that you have let the team at Council know. You can
give us a call on 0800 807 239 to check that we have your correct
address.