Mayor calls for comment on plan

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 388, 28 May 1991, Page 7

Mayor calls for comment on plan

The Draft Plan for the 1991X92 financial year has been prepared and released for public scrutiny and comment.

The purpose of the plan, is to inform ratepayers and residents of the Council's major objectives, policies and financial plans for the next three years in general, but the 1991N92 year in particular. The Council now seeks public comment and feedback on the proposals set out in the plan and will consider incorporating in it, as far as is practically possible, those views and desires expressed by ratepayer's and residents who take the opportunity to respond. This draft plan has been prepared under the tough economic restraints that effect us all, both in our public and private activities. The council is anxious to ensure district services and facilities are maintained properly and upgraded as and when money permits. There is a need to contain rating levels at a time when financial pressures exerted on ratepayers are extreme. This year the rates required to finance the Annual Plan will be no more than for the 1990W1 financial year. As a result of the decision by Council to apportion roading costs on a more equitable basis across the District,

the general and roading rates proposed to be levied in all the southern portion of the Ruapehu District (the Waimarino and Waiouru Wards) will be at a rate of 1.08 in the dollar of land value. At present the general rate for all the Ruapehu District, other than the Waimarino rural area of the Waimarino Ward, is 1.38c in the dollar of land value. In order to accomplish this the uniform annual general charge moves up slightly by $10 to $275. There have, of course, been property valuation changes that will affect rating levels in certain areas. Special user charges may vary in areas where sewerage, water and refuse collection services are provided. Any variance in these charges will be determined by the cost of providing those services. Annual Plan process The steps in the Annual Plan process are: • The Draft Annual Plan is approved by Council and publicly notified for community input. • Submissions on the draft Plan will be re-

The following is the Ruapehu District Council Mayor Garrick Workman's column which aims to clarify various council matters as they stand at present.

ceived up until the 28 June 1991. • Council will hear submissions on the Draft Plan during July 1991. • The Council will confirm or amend the Plan in light of any submissions received and will commence procedures to set the rates for the 199D92 year. Public participation The plan will be available for public scrutiny at all council offices and agencies and public libraries in Taumarunui, Waiouru, Ohakune, Raetihi and Ohuraif you wish to ask questions or pass comments about it, please contact either myself, the Ward Councillors, or alternatively phone the Council on 58188 or freephone (0812) 55155 (for Waimarino and Waiouru residents) and ask for the General Manager Cliff Houston, Corporate Services Director Chris Ryan, Operations Director John Murrihy, or Technical Services Director Bruce Dobson, all of whom will be pleased to answer any queries you may have and consider suggestions you may wish to make. Anyone

wishing to present a submission will be given that opportunity at a July meeting of the Council to be arranged. All we ask is that you clearly indicate your intention of doing so by advising the General Manager. Ohakune Water treatment This issue has received enough publicity in recent times, however for the benefit of 'Suspected Giardia Sufferer', whose letter appeared in the Bulletin recently, I can advise: yes-the source of the Ohakune Water Supply is crystal clear. The water emerges from under a bank about 4kms upstream from the intake in the Serpentine stream; It flows along a sandy creek bed then disappears underground Ipefore roaring out the side of a steep slope where it forms the headwaters of the Serpentine. The water was tested at its source and was found to contain giardia, much to my amazement given that I had drunk a fair amount without it affecting me in any way whatsoever. It is the volume of supply from the source

though that is the real problem. The current peak draw-off for Ohakune is 190 cubic metres per hour. The volume of water available at the source is only 100 cubic metres per hour, little over half of the volume required. In answer to the other question Suspected Giardia Sufferer asks, I can advise that no one is trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes regarding the Ohakune , Water Supply. Further, neither Allan Whale or myself got lost during our hike up to the supply source and yes the Raetihi supply has been tested for giardia. At the time of testing, no giardia was discovered in the water at the Makotuku intake, the source of the Raetihi supply. Interestingly, giardia was discovered in the water of both the National Park and Owhango intakes, but was not present after the water in both areas had been treated. Ohakune water treatment plan investigations Investigating options for the siting of a proposed Ohakune Water Treatment Plant has seemingly been a neverending exercise. The fact is it has been Turnpage 14