Councillor Comment

LTP and Spatial Plan

It is a busy time within Council as we have just completed three days hearing those residents, business and interested parties speaking to their submissions on both the Long-Term Plan and the Spatial Plan and then Council’s deliberations on these submissions.  

There were a total of 1078 submissions and we thank all those people who took the time to put in their thoughts and suggestions.  At the time of going to print, all councillors will have read the submissions and deliberated on the issues but a final decision on this will not be made until our meeting on the 30^th June.  So more on this next month.

Water conservation

Council and Wellington Water Ltd are working very hard to reduce the number of water leaks around our district.  Ground surveys in Martinborough, Featherston and Greytown were carried out in November and December and identified 55 water leaks.  These have been repaired alongside leaks reported by members of the public.

It is very important that if you see a leak in the street or a hydrant leaking that these are reported to Council on 06 3069611 – even if you notice these in the evening, please phone this number and the operator will log your call.  These will then be prioritised and repaired.  Even though we are coming into winter we still need to conserve water.

This bring me to the fact that water meters will be read in June, it would help our contractors if you could please check that your meter is accessible and not covered by any foliage.  Residents have an annual allowance of 350 cubic meters per household. If you receive an account for usage above this amount and wish to discuss this, please phone 3069611 ext. 874 or email water@swdc.govt.nz 

Innovating Streets Design & Installation on the Square.

The temporary design installation has been finalised after feedback from the public and is available on the Council website www.swdc.govt.nz .  The installation will provide important passive safety measures and a traffic calming effect temporarily transforming the area into a destination zone rather than a vehicle thoroughfare. The aim is to make the area a more user-friendly community space while slowing traffic and addressing safety concerns in an innovative way.

Local school children are submitting road art work ideas and the top three designs will then be chosen. These designs will be circulated giving the community the opportunity to vote on the final design to be painted onto the road with temporary road paint.  It is proposed that early June the community votes on the top design and then later in the month the installation and art work begins with the opening at the end of June/beginning of July.

The community will have the opportunity for further feedback during the process and the time the installation is in the Square.

As this is a totally new concept for most of us, I am personally looking forward to seeing the final result and hearing your comments and thoughts.

Stay safe and warm. 

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