Mayor Michael Laws says this week's opening of the Splash Centre extension will be a great community celebration.

"This project has had fantastic community involvement from the outset," Mayor Michael said.

"The Splash Centre extension is going to be much more than a major recreational and sporting amenity – it's a celebration of Wanganui's unique form of participatory democracy.

"We must never forget that the people of Wanganui placed this as their number one priority in Referendum '05. They took the opportunity to have their say on how their rates should be spent – and where. I was delighted to offer that opportunity and this building stands as testimony to that unique partnership between council and citizens."

Following the results of Referendum '05, the Council confirmed a $3.8 million contribution to the project in its 10-Year Plan for 2006-2016.

The community enthusiastically supported fundraising efforts which were matched dollar for dollar by the Whanganui Community Foundation. The Powerco Wanganui Trust, the first organisation to get behind the fundraising, contributed $800,000 to the project and Genesis Energy provided funding of $750,000 for the hydroslides.

Individuals and organisations who contributed to the fundraising have been invited to the official opening at 4.30pm on Friday, April 18, in appreciation of their support.

Mayor Michael says that he is going to ask his three-year-old daughter Lucy to help him open the Splash Centre.

"When she was sick, all she could say was that she wanted to go for a swim at the Splash Centre. At the time, we thought that would be an impossibility, such was her prognosis.

"But now she's back at home and I hope she's well enough to help me. This facility will be a dream for Lucy and all the kids, big and small, of Wanganui. They are going to have an absolute ball."

The new facility includes a learners' pool, school teaching/recreation pool, toddlers' pool, lazy river, two spa pools, sauna, steam room, mezzanine complex, aquarobic pool and two giant hydroslides. The hydrotherapy pool will be completed in about eight weeks.

"This extension, and the facilities it contains, will help make the Splash Centre one of the region's premier aquatic arenas. This will be a major community asset for many years to come."

The Splash Centre extension will be open to the public from Saturday, April 19.

The photos show an aerial view of the extension starting to take shape (July 2007) and filling of the new pools (February 2008).

Work is continuing on the urban footpath renewal programme for 2007/08, with a number of footpaths already completed.

The programme is scheduled to continue through until August 2008 and may vary during that time. Regular updates will be published in Community Link.

Footpaths

Work is programmed to be carried out on the following sections of footpath:

Kerb and channel renewal programme

Subsoil drains renewals

The Wanganui District Council has prepared its Draft Annual Plan 2008/09 – and now it's time for you to have your say.

The Draft Annual Plan is open for public submissions from 28 March 2008 until 2 May 2008.

A proposed amendment to the 10-Year Plan 2006-2016 is also open for public submissions.

Contact the Council's Customer Service Team or visit the District Library or this page for copies of our Draft Annual Plan, 10-Year Plan amendment and submission forms. A summary of the Draft Annual Plan is being delivered to Wanganui District households this week.

The Maxwell Anzac Day Service will be held at the Maxwell Memorial at 9.30am on Friday, 25 April 2008.

If wet, the service will be held in the Maxwell Hall. An invitation to attend the service is extended to residents and the public.

Summary of Information

In accordance with Section 83(1)(a)(i) of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Gambling Act 2003, the Wanganui District Council gives notice of its intention to review the Gambling Venue Policy 2004. Submissions are now invited on the review.

Process
The review of the Wanganui District Council's Gambling Venue Policy 2004 will be publicly advertised and submissions invited from 17 April 2008 to 23 May 2008. The Wanganui District Council will hear submissions and determine the policy in June 2008.

Information
Further information relating to the Gambling Venue Policy 2004 is available from Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui or may be obtained from Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001, fax (06) 349 0000 or email us.

Further information includes:

• Gambling Venue Policy 2004 – policy being reviewed
• Statement of Proposal – Gambling Venue Policy

Submission process
Submissions should be in writing and addressed to:

Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui
Attention: Stuart Hylton

To assist the submission and hearing process please endeavour when making a submission to –

• Refer to a specific point or rule within the Gambling Venue Policy 2004 (use heading references).
• State whether you support or oppose the specific point or rule.
• State clear reasoning for your decision.
• State what change, if any, you would like the Council to make.
• State whether you personally want to be heard in respect of your submission.
• Ensure your full contact details are supplied.

Submissions close on Friday, 23 May 2008.

The by-election for a new Wanganui District Councillor will be held in June.

A by-election is required following the resignation of Cr Marty Lindsay who is taking up a career opportunity in Australia.

Wanganui District Council Electoral Officer Noeline Moosman has set the by-election date for Saturday, June 21.

Nominations for candidates opened on Friday, April 4, and close at 12 noon on Friday, May 2. Nomination forms are available from the Electoral Officer.

Voting will be by postal voting. The voting period will be from Friday, 30 May 2008, to 12 noon Saturday, 21 June 2008.

More information is available on this page.

Applications are now being accepted for activities occurring between July 2008 and June 2009.

Wanganui Incorporated Impact Fund grant applications will be assessed and allocated to projects, events and initiatives that deliver significant economic benefits to the Wanganui City and Region. Funding availability is conditional upon Wanganui District Council 2008/2009 Annual Plan approval.

Enquiries can be made to: Wanganui Inc, phone (06) 349 0380, info@wanganuiinc.com or application forms are available online.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday, 2 May 2008.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Senior Property Officer
Applications close 21 April 2008

Finance & Administration Technician
Applications close 25 April 2008

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Wednesday, April 23 (4.00pm, Committee Room 2)
- Review of Rural Fire Restrictions; Roading Projects Update; Whanganui River Road/Separate Works Rate – Morikau Road Seal Extension.

Community Development – Tuesday, April 29

Hearings – Thursday, May 1 (2.00pm, Committee Room 2)
- Submissions to Trade Waste Bylaw.

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, May 6

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at 3.00pm in the Council Chamber, 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.