Council plan ahead as funding raises are revealed

A Christmas parade, an historic ship and a youth trust are among community winners set to benefit from a council funding boost.

Marlborough District Councillors yesterday considered the 130 public submissions received on its latest Long-Term Plan.

Eighty-six people presented their submissions to council last week during three days of hearings.

Successful groups include Moutere Rugby Club at Awarua Park in Spring Creek who will get a further $181k for upgrades to public toilets, the community centre and changing sheds.

Picton Christmas Parade secured funding of up to $1.5k per year, Marlborough Youth Trust an extra $10k for annual operating costs and Citizens’ Advice Bureau and extra $5k to its yearly operating grant.

The Edwin Fox Museum will get a $11,150 boost for lighting improvements and a dry dock wall corrosion survey.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett says it was inspiring to hear from locals who were passionate about community projects.

“Thank you to everyone who made a submission or spoke to us in person. It was inspiring to hear from such a wide range of passionate Marlburians.

“It was pleasing to see the level of community feedback on our Consultation Document. Most submitters were broadly in favour of the direction this Council is taking.

“The philosophy at the heart of this Long-Term Plan has four pillars; a continued focus on infrastructure investment; support for economic development and the Covid-19 recovery; expanding environmental protection initiatives and providing good quality community facilities.”

Mayor Leggett says it was a focused day of frugal decision making for the 2021 - 2031 Consultation Document because of the pressure on ratepayers.

The upcoming rates increase of 5.2 per cent is higher than usual for Marlborough but well below what other councils around the country are proposing, he says.

Other areas people want to see council invest in include technology growth, food and screen sectors, environmental protection initiatives.

The  recommendations will go to the full council meeting for endorsement on 30 June. The new rates become effective on 1 July 2021.