Annual Plan adopted
The Council’s 2025-26 Annual plan has been adopted.
This provides an update to what was determined in last year’s Long Term Plan and sets fees and charges for the year ahead.
Among key decisions in the plan were an overall rates percentage increase of 16.59%.
Some new projects were introduced into this annual plan due to their urgent nature, with 3 waters funding redirected from other less urgent projects to help fund them.
These new projects identified are:
• $2 M for the renewal of wastewater and stormwater pipelines because of the recent slumping
identified at the north end of Milton, on State Highway 1, between Elizabeth Street and Melville Avenue.
• $540 K for the replacement of the Milton Water Treatment Plant membranes as the current membranes have reached the end of their useful life.
• $175 K for the installation of a second Smart Hydrants in Milton to comply with drinking water standards.
More detail can be found on the Council website.
Pump track approved for Moore Park in Milton
Council approved the development of a pump track at Moore Park in Milton.
The project is to be led by Project Bruce and would be located along the southern margin of the park, beside Abercrombie Street.
There is no financial impact for Council, as funding for the project is being arranged by Project Bruce.
Major funders include the Department of Internal Affairs and Sport Otago.
The quoted cost to build the track and arrange for drainage is $173,770 +GST.
Once Project Bruce has completed the pump track to a satisfactory standard, it will be handed over to Council.
It was noted that Moore Park was being well used, and this facility would only add to what was already there.
Councill congratulated Project Bruce for taking on this project as the pump track at Centennial Park is proving very popular and being well used.
The track will accommodate bikes, BMX, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and adaptive mountain biking.
Road closures approved for Circle Hill Rally Sprint
Council approved the temporary closure of Cullen Road and Fort Hill Road on Saturday 12 July 2025 from 9am to 5:30pm for the Circle Hill Rally Sprint.
In the past all road closure approvals have been conducted under delegated authority.
However, it has recently come to Council's attention that road closure approvals for sporting events cannot be delegated out.
The Otago Sports 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.
Policy on election signs and hoardings approved
Councillors approved a policy on elections signs and hoardings at the Council Meeting.
The policy sets out guidelines relating to signage for electioneering purposes, so that it is not detrimental to motorist safety, and complies with legislative and NZ Transport Agency requirements.
Local body elections will be held by postal vote on Saturday 11 October 2025 with nominations open August 1.
The policy specifies signage requirements, approved public sites for signage. safety requirements and signs on State Highways.
You can read the adopted policy on Council’s website.
Contracts Awarded
The Clutha Hub Carpark contract was awarded to Clearwater Civil Ltd for $585,905.75 excl. GST. This was the only tender received for this work.
The Milton to Tokoiti Water Network contract was awarded to Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd for $705,207.10 excl. GST, who submitted the lowest price conforming tender.
The Crown Street, Balclutha Water Treatment Plan Intake Upgrade contract was awarded to WAE Engineering Ltd for $396,396.96 excl. GST. This was the only tender received for this work.