Mayor Michael Laws has welcomed the results of Referendum '07, saying that they delivered clear mandates to civic leaders on the issues of water softening, the gang insignia bill, kerbside recycling and a Wanganui Anniversary Day.

The results were:

Should Wanganui's water supply be softened?

Should Wanganui introduce a local bill that outlaws the wearing of gang insignia in public places?

Should the Council establish a kerbside recycling service?

Should Wanganui have its own Anniversary Day?

Water softening

"A fantastic result. Council will proceed with its plans and within 12 months Wanganui will finally have soft water."

Gangs

"An overwhelming majority. Gangs infest every part of this country – Wanganui will lead the way in saying 'no more'."

Kerbside recycling

"A really interesting result. Despite the expense to households, the green consciousness is shining through. It sends a clear signal as to future expectations."

Wanganui Anniversary Day

"We had the opportunity to use a Wanganui Anniversary Day for promotional and identity purposes. That said, I expect people prefer the status quo – a day off in January when the weather is good."

Work on the first stage of the waterfront development project is progressing well, with the wooden piled section of the boardwalk near completion ahead of schedule. The pre-cast cantilevered concrete beams are in position, ready to support the rest of the boardwalk all the way to the town bridge.

The total area involved stretches along the river from the town bridge to the Waimarie mooring jetty. This section will be upgraded further with lighting, paving, landscaping and planting, plus extra amenities to add comfort and security.

The construction of both the Splash Centre extension and the riverfront development will complete the priorities established in Referendum '05.

The phone and text numbers to support Michael Laws and Lauren de Boeck are – 0900 89 815; text – Michael to 8981.

All of Wanganui City's domestic wastewater, including sewage and groundwater, will be discharged to the Whanganui River for an extended period up to 23 April 2007.

As part of the Wastewater Project, the under river pipeline has now been successfully upgraded to accommodate the higher pressures needed to pump wastewater to the new treatment plant near the Airport.

The existing line has been emptied, drained out and cut into on both sides of the river, requiring discharge of city wastewater to the river. A 600m length of new pipeline has been successfully pulled through the existing pipeline and is being connected to the new pipes which have been laid across the Airport to the treatment ponds.

During excavation it was found that a section of major pipework embedded within the foundation of Beach Road Pump Station is in extremely poor condition and must be replaced now, prior to recommissioning the ocean outfall. Unfortunately, this work will extend the discharge to the river beyond the original programmed period. The discharge will now continue until 23 April 2007.

The public should be aware that fish and shellfish caught in the river should not be eaten raw – this applies at all times.

Horizons Regional Council has been advised of the extended operation which is covered by the District Council's consent for the Wastewater Scheme.

Wanganui Civic Honours Award

Nominations for the Wanganui Civic Honours Award are now being sought.

The Award will be made to people who have carried out meritorious voluntary community service in Wanganui.

Nominations must be made by two citizens of Wanganui, or a bona fide organisation.

Please note: Previous nominations will not be considered for selection. Only people nominated this year will be considered, as nominations do not "roll over" annually.

Nomination forms and Conditions of Nomination are available from Customer Services, Ground Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 27 April 2007.

Vacancies

Building Control Officer - Applications
Applications close 6 May 2007

Roading Traffic Safety Engineer
Applications close 20 May 2007

Roading Operations Officer
Applications close 20 May 2007

Gilligan Close – Hurworth Place walkway

The Wanganui District Council invites interested parties and residents of Gilligan Close and Hurworth Place to a public meeting to be held:

Day: Thursday, 26 April 2007
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Committee Room 2, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui

Cr Don McGregor, Chairman, Infrastructure Committee, will chair this public meeting to consider concerns and options for the future of the Gilligan Close to Hurworth Place walkway.

The following holiday arrangements will be observed by the Wanganui District Council during ANZAC Day 2007. However, you can contact us at any time on (06) 349 0001.

Information Centre
Open 9.00am - 3.00pm

Sarjeant Gallery
Open 1.00pm - 4.30pm

Whanganui Regional Museum
Open 10.00am - 4.30pm

District Library Services
Closed ANZAC Day

Recycling
The "SaveMart" Wanganui Recycling Centre in Peat Street, opposite the netball courts, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans and textiles. Free drop-off.

Attention is also drawn to the After Hours Services listed in the Telephone Directory under "Wanganui District Council".

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council Meeting – Monday, April 30 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in April.

Wanganui District Councils' Forestry Joint Committee – Tuesday, May 1

Community Development – Tuesday, May 8

Hearings – Wednesday, May 9 (to be confirmed)

Finance and Administration – Thursday, May 10

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.