Martinborough Community Board

We are rapidly approaching the end of the triennium and I would like to thank all of the Community Board team for their hard work over the last three years. I am particularly proud of the structure the Board has brought to our role, enabled by our three year plan.

We have tightened up the strategic grant process whilst increasing the total grant pool and the maximum total for an individual grant. This is one of the most rewarding parts of our work and it was fantastic to be invited back to the Martinborough Mens Shed to see how they have used their recent grant. The main work space has been relined, painted and rewired, with benches and tools installed and already being well used. Whilst we were pleased to be able to help financially, on behalf of the Martinborough Ward, it is clear that many volunteer hours and donations of materials contributed to the transformation. The Shed will be a great asset to our community and I commend the members on the effort they have put into it.

We are accepting grant applications now, closing 15th August 2016, the application forms can be downloaded from www.swdc.govt.nz/MCB.

We have also advocated to Council for footpath repairs and new footpaths. The repair programme is progressing well but spending on new footpaths is on hold. Balancing the Council budget is always difficult and Council will need to see significant public support during next year’s Annual Planning process for new footpath spending to go ahead.

The Councillors and Community Board members elected by the community in October will face opportunities and challenges in equal measure. The Waste Water projects in all three towns will eventually see 100% of wastewater discharged to land. Delivery of the Waihinga Centre project will be significantly helped by the experienced project team in place.

Local Government reform will be another defining issue of the next triennium and I hope we will see the right mix of experience and skills around the Council and Community Board tables to deliver the best outcomes for our wards and district.

Email:  martinboroughlisa@cornelissen.co.nz or Phone: (028) 2553 4857 to discuss any Community Board matters. Lisa Cornelissen