Recycling dominates annual planning debate

Kerbside recycling was the dominant issue at the Council's recent planning discussions.

At a series of Strategy Committee meetings held on May 21-30, the Council considered more than 220 submissions to its Draft 10-Year Plan (2002-2012), Annual Plan (2002/03) and Service Management Plan (2002-2012).

The major issue that arose from the submissions was kerbside recycling, with the majority of submitters on that matter requesting continuation of the service and, in some cases, an expanded waste minimisation programme. The draft plans proposed that the Council's kerbside recycling collection service would cease from July 1.

After considering the submissions, the Council resolved to increase funding for waste minimisation in 2002/03 from $30,000 to $150,000. A number of submitters requested that the Council pursue a zero waste policy. However, the Council acknowledged that while this was something to work towards, zero waste was not achievable at present. A programme for the waste minimisation budget will be discussed at the Environment Committee meeting on June 13.

Other changes to the draft plans which went out for public consultation were:

• $20,000 included in the environmental policy function for an earthquake risk and heritage building preservation fund.
• $10,000 added in the economic development function as a contribution to a Regional Information Centre at Ohakea (total $20,000).
• $5000 added in the CBD services function for the 'We've Painted Wanganui' project for central city buildings.
• $2000 added in the community development function for a community contract for the Boys and Girls Gym Club.
• $30,000 reduction in the CBD services function for Majestic Square development. This work will now be funded from capital sources.
• $3000 removed from the sports grounds function for the community contract granted to Dancesport Wanganui (removed at the request of Dancesport Wanganui).

The Council adopted the plans with the amendments made at the meetings. The final documents are now being prepared and will be available later this month.

June 8: Stop Child Abuse Rally
Venue: Majestic Square. 12 noon.

June 8: Rivercity Markets
Venue: Wanganui Racecourse car park. 8am-1pm.

June 8-9: Homeobotanical Institute of NZ Inc Conference and AGM

June 8-15: National Indoor Bowls Federation Championships
Venue: Springvale Stadium.

June 9: Organ Recital - Douglas Mews
Venue: St Paul's Church, Guyton Street. 2pm.

June 9: Bohemians Golden Oldies Rugby/Netball vs Evergreens (PN)
Venue: Wanganui City College. 12.30pm.

June 9: Age Concern Travel Group
Laird Park Bowling Club. 1pm.

June 9: Rowing - Winter Distance Races
Aramoho course. 9am.

June 10: An Evening with Gavin Larsen
Venue: Wanganui Function Centre. 7.30pm. Cricket/sport injuries and arthritis.

June 10: Blood Donor Service
Venue: Christ Church Community Centre. 3pm-7pm. Contact phone 0800 448 354.

June 11: The Clerical Botanist
Venue: Whanganui Regional Museum. 2pm. Randal Springer talks about EB Dixon.

More information about things to do in the Wanganui District is available from the Visitor Information Centre, 101 Guyton Street.

Vacancies

Building Inspector
Applications close on 10 June 2002.

Property Officer - Senior or Intermediate
Applications close on 17 June 2002.

Community Development
Wednesday, June 12

Environment
Thursday, June 13

The meetings will be held at 2.00pm in Committee Room 2, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

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

Meeting Cancellation
Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee's meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 11 June 2002, is cancelled as there is no business to transact.

The Council welcomes members of the public to attend its meetings.

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