Milton upgrade a step closer
The proposed upgrade of Milton’s main street is a step closer.
Councillors have approved the Draft Milton Developed Streetscape Plan, which details the design of the main street upgrade.
The plan is still subject to a traffic assessment review from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, and approval of the location of trees.
The project will see improvements to footpaths, pedestrian crossings and Stewart Reserve. Powerlines will also be moved underground.
The upgrade had been identified as a high priority by residents, and council has been continuing to work with businesses and residents to find the best approach.
The area from 108 Union Street to the vicinity of Abercrombie Street, outside the new pool and library complex, will be designed once plans for the new facility are finalised.
Annual Plan adopted
The Council’s 2022-23 Annual plan has been adopted.
This contributes to all provides an update to the Long Term Plan and sets fees and charges for the year ahead.
Among key decisions in the plan:
• Council approved additional funding of $2.5 million using surplus investment funds to support the Clutha Community Hub build.
• Council agreed at the meeting to put forward a “better off” funding proposal of $1.9M for the Milton Community Pool and Library Facility project. This funding is provided by Government as part of three waters reform. Council is still consulting with the community on the preferred option.
• Council agreed to put forward $1.3M of “better off” allocation towards a funding proposal for the Balclutha Streetscape Stage 2, which involves landscaping and provide carparking in the vicinity of the Clutha Community Hub.
• Council committed $500,000 to bring forward the Kaka Point Reservoir renewal project to the 2022/23 year.
• Funding was approved for improved water quality at the Naish Park Duck Pond and stage one of a carpark at Balclutha Centennial Park.
• Almost $400,000 in community funding requests were approved for projects including facility upgrades, operations funding and community support services.
• Funding in principle has been committed to a range of West Otago Community Plan projects, including recreation and playground upgrades pest eradication and main street enhancements.
• Fees and charges for council services, including increases to landfill charges and dog registration, were set for the 2022-23 year.
• Council has approved an overall rates increase of less than 4%, having sought to keep the rates increase under this level in a challenging budget year.
More detail can be found on the Council website.
Residents’ Survey
The results of the annual resident survey have been released.
Undertaken in April, the survey is undertaken to gather feedback and helps Council to assess levels of service, performance and whether improvements can be made.
The survey is conducted by phone and online.
Among the results, 96% of respondents were satisfied with the Mt Cooee landfill, 94% were satisfied with district sewerage and 91% satisfied with the wheelie bin service.
Libraries had a 99% satisfaction rate, 96% satisfied with Balclutha Sportsground and 94% were satisfied with service or information centres.
The full results can be found on the Council website.