There has been widespread praise for the Wanganui District Council's 10-Year Plan 2009-2019, with the Audit Office saying that that the Council's public consultation was both unique and outstanding.

In addition, Grey Power Wanganui has praised the low annual rates increase of just 3.2% and said that it contrasts markedly with that imposed by Horizons Regional Council.

Mayor Michael Laws says that the 10-Year Plan "is both a vision and a road map for Wanganui for the next decade. It is a credit to all who were involved - councillors, staff and the community. I'm very proud of what has been achieved, and very proud of Wanganui".

Our council team, led by Mayor Michael, is pictured celebrating the unanimous passing of the 10-Year Plan 2009-2019 - the widely praised strategy for the Wanganui district over the next decade.

The results of Referendum '09 were incorporated into the 10-Year Plan plus other changes made in response to community submissions.

Highlights of the 10-Year Plan 2009-2019

• The successful discovery and delivery of "soft water" to Wanganui urban residents
• A new $180,000 promotional budget aimed at creating an enhanced image of Wanganui on the national and international stages
• Relocation and redevelopment of a new Visitor Information Centre in a riverfront location
• The funding of an enhanced southern entranceway to give visitors a better first impression of Wanganui
• The funding of a new entranceway into Wanganui from the airport – to be called Chas Poynter Drive in honour of the previous long-serving Mayor
• Continued rates restraint – meaning that for the fifth year in a row, Wanganui rates increases have been much less than the rest of local government – and under the average rate of inflation
• Debt levels peaking at $90 million and then declining dramatically
• The confirmed retention of Wanganui Gas and its trading arm Energy Direct, our forestry assets and council-owned pensioner housing
• Increased funding to support Wanganui in Bloom

Applications are now being accepted for projects, events and initiatives occurring between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010, that deliver significant economic benefits to the Wanganui city and district. $200,000 is available in the Impact Fund.

For the purposes of this fund "significant economic impact or economic impact" is defined as a demonstrable and measurable impact/increase in visitor numbers and expenditure.

If you are seeking "seed" funding for a new project/event or initiative,the term of the "seed funding" will be at the discretion of the Assessment Committee.

This fund has traditionally attracted applications specifically for events. There is an intent this year to also seek applications for initiatives and projects focused on new economic opportunities.

Wanganui District Council Impact Fund grant applications will be assessed in accordance with the following key considerations:

• Ability to attract visitors and their economic impact
• The projected dollars spent within the city and district
• The organisation's ability to deliver
• Sustainability and repeatability of the event/project
• The national profile/exposure the project will give Wanganui

Applications close 5.00pm Monday, 3 August 2009.

Application forms are available from the Wanganui District Council or on this page.

For enquiries please contact Keith Smith, Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001, email Keith Smith.

Wanganui Judo Club (pictured above) received money from the Impact Fund 2008/09 towards hosting the North Island Judo Championships in September 2008.

Community organisations working within the Wanganui District are advised that applications for Community Contracts for the 2009/2010 financial year (1 July-30 June) are now invited.

The Community Contracts programme provides funding to community organisations who provide service initiatives that:

• Support the Council's 10-Year Plan
• Provide depth of value and benefit to the wider Wanganui community
• Increase community capacity in the Wanganui community

There is $100,000 of contestable funding available for the 2009/2010 year. Please note that the Community Contracts Fund is separate from the Impact Fund which supports initiatives that attract visitors and deliver a significant economic impact to Wanganui, and deliver sustainable programmes that raise the national profile of Wanganui.

Community organisations interested in Community Contract funding can obtain a specific application form, explanation notes, guidelines and criteria from:

• Wanganui District Council, Customer Services Counter, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
• Community House, 53A Ridgway Street, Wanganui
• Wanganui District Library , Queens Park and Mobile Library

The closing date for applications is Monday, 27 July 2009, at 5.00pm.

Thinking of applying?
If you are thinking of applying and are not sure if you meet the criteria, please contact Keith Smith, phone (06) 349 0001 for further information.

The NZ Geographic Board's formal consultation period for the proposed change of spelling from Wanganui to Whanganui is from 14 May 2009 to 17 August 2009.

Members of the public have three months to make submissions supporting or objecting to the proposed name change. If a person objects to the proposal, they can suggest an alternative proposal or support the existing name.

Written submissions can be made by email, fax or post and sent to:
Secretary for the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
c/- Land Information New Zealand
160 Lambton Quay
Private Box 5501
Wellington 6145
New Zealand
Fax: (04) 460 0112
Email: nzgbsubmissions@linz.govt.nz

Further information about the submissions process can be found on the NZ Geographic Board website at www.linz.govt.nz.

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Building Services Officer
Applications close 12 July 2009

Customer Services Advocate (After Hours)
Applications close 12 July 2009

Property Officer
Applications close 12 July 2009

Environmental Health Officer
Applications close 19 July 2009

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Hearings – Thursday, July 2 (Committee Room 2, 9.00am)
- Plan Change 15, Central City Heritage Protection.

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, July 7
- Finance and Corporate Action Plan; Property Group Activity Report; Wanganui Airport – Corporatisation; Impact Funding; Infrastructure Projects Update; NZ Transport Agency – State Highway 3/Carlton Avenue Upgrade; Minor Road Safety Project/Cycle Lane and Footpath Improvements – Somme Parade/Dublin Street Corner; Chas Poynter Drive; Temporary Road Closure – Wanganui Cycling Club [Transport (Vehicular Traffic Closure) Regulations 1965]; Schedule of Sealed Documents; Financial Commitments; Councillors' Reports.

Council – Monday, July 20
- The Council will consider the reports from committee meetings held in June and July along with reports direct to Council.

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.