Councillor Comment

What’s on Top

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in the Long-Term Plan/ Spatial Plan survey via online, email or a paper version.  Also, many thanks to those of you who attended our community engagement events which were held throughout the district over the last month. The response and ideas coming through from all of these avenues has been amazing.  It is overwhelming to have so much support, input, and positive comments this early in our engagement process.  

The next steps are that all this information will be collated and will be considered alongside feedback received during the Annual Plan consultation.  A Draft Long-Term Plan Consultation document and draft Spatial Plan will be prepared and will come out for formal consultation in March/April 2021 and then in June 2021 the final version of the Long-Term Plan 2021-2031 will be signed off, signalling the start of another 3 years of hard work.

Proposed Wairarapa Solid Waste Management & Minimisation Bylaw

Council met on the 28^th October to discuss the proposed Wairarapa Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2021.  This new Bylaw is combined with Carterton and Masterton District Councils and covers the collection and disposal of waste products to Class 1 Landfill/Transfer stations. It also covers the licensing of Waste Operators and Waste Collectors.  This will allow the collection of data to ascertain the volumes and types of waste going to landfill.  It is envisaged that this will reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills. 

Once agreed to by all three councils the proposed Bylaw and its Statement of Proposal and Bylaw controls will go out for public consultation on Friday 30^th October.  Submissions close on Monday 30^th November 2020.  Hearings are set down for Wednesday 16^th December 2020 and Deliberations on Wednesday 20^th January 2021. The proposed Wairarapa Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw, the Statement of Proposal and Bylaw Controls will be available on each council’s website along with submission forms.

Council Meetings

Council also discussed changes to their meeting schedule for the 2021-2022 period, after quite an intense debate it was agreed that Council, Assets & Services Committee, Planning & Regulatory Committee, Finance Audit and Risk Committee and Maori Standing Committee would change to 8 weekly meetings and this will start from the February 2021 meetings.  Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough Community Boards will discuss their options at their next meetings.

Have a really enjoyable month and stay safe and well.

Pam Colenso 0274414892   pam.colenso@swdc.govt.nz