Grant increased for Clutha Budget Advisory Service
A grant of $10k for the Clutha Budget Advisory Service, to help subsidise the market rental for the lease of 4-6 Elizabeth Street was approved by Council.
The budget advisory service had asked Council to approve the lease of 4-6 Elizabeth Street to Clutha Budget Advisory Service at market rental and provide the additional grant in support.
Council has previously approved (for 2 years running including this new financial year) $25K per annum to support operational costs associated with the food hub.
If the lease proceeded Council’s annual contribution would reduce.
In a letter to Council the budget advisory service said they were committed to the long-term sustainability of their organisation who delivered vital services to some of the most vulnerable members of the Clutha District community.
Charter of understanding signed
Council approved the signing of the revised He Huarahi mō Ngā Uri Whakatupu’ Charter of understanding.
The Charter provides the basis for an ongoing relationship between local authorities and tangata whenua of Murihiku Southland.
It’s purpose of the Charter is to develop and support mana enhancing, mutually beneficial and enduring relationships between the local authorities within the Murihiku rohe and the mana whenua of Murihiku and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan and Chief Executive Steve Hill regularly attend Te Rōpū Taiao (which is the primary mechanism for implementing the Charter).
Te Rōpū Taiao is a political level governance group made up of elected representatives from each of the signatory Councils and representatives of Te Ao Mārama Incorporated and the four papatipu rūnanga.
It offers a forum to discuss and progress all aspects of the Charter and its goals.
Road closures approved for Catlins Rally Sprint
Council approved the temporary closure of Puaho & Burnt Flat Roads on Saturday 16 August 2025 and Cannibal Bay Road on Sunday 17 August 2025 from 8am to 6pm for the Catlins Rally Sprint Weekend.
The South Otago Car Club have run motorsport events in the Clutha District successfully for many years.
The Club has been proactive in working with local residents and landowners to build a positive relationship and to minimise disruption to their lives.
These events attract both local entrants as well as entries from outside the district, they also usually hold the post-event prizegiving functions at a local establishment.
Contracts awarded
The Glenkenich Water Treatment Plant Hydro Cyclone System was awarded to Marshall Projects for $296,395 excl. GST.
Council engaged MTL NZ Ltd (MLT) to assess ways to improve the intake structure at Glenkenich Water Treatment Plant, and specifically reduce the intake of grit material, which has been a concern since the installation of the membrane filtration plant.
MLT contacted three water control solution suppliers to get a high-level cost estimate and to aid in the decision-making process.
A workshop was held, and from this, Council instructed MLT to start collaborating with Marshall Projects to provide a proposal to the Council and the Glenkenich Rural Water Scheme (RWS) for the installation of a hydrocyclone separator and disc filter as an immediate mitigation of sand and grit particles entering the Glenkenich WTP membrane filtration plant.
Marshall Projects installed the Glenkenich WTP, they have the history and knowledge of the plant.
The Milton Streetscape Beautification contract was awarded to Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd for $1,103,126.
Three tenders were received and presented to the Council on 3 April 2025; however, the decision was deferred to the next Council meeting, due to the issue with the main sewer line on SH1 Milton.
Funding support for Kaka Point Esplanade Reserve playground redevelopment
Council approved the release of the remaining $110k set aside for the support of the development of a new playground at the Kaka Point Esplanade Reserve and an additional $15k of funding.
Council also supported the Kaka Point Community Group’s plans for the playground which is a favourite with locals and with people visiting the Kaka Point beach area. There is no off-street parking at this playground, but there is parking at the centre of Kaka Point, a short walk away.
A key component of the redevelopment is the construction of a Lighthouse Tower, designed to reflect the importance of the nearby lighthouse at The Nuggets.
The benefits of the proposed redevelopment include a significant improvement of an existing, well-used, but worn facility.
The project will create a destination facility in one of the Clutha District’s most well-known and popular spots.
The Kaka Point Community Group were approved funding following their submission to the Long-Term Plan in 2021.
The report to council included the progress the working group has made since 2021, including fundraising efforts.
The funding was approved subject to the Kaka Point Community Group providing confirmation of adequate funds to complete the project.
Improving play equipment at the Kaka Point Esplanade Playground was included as a priority project in the Our Place Catlins Community Plan (2020).