The Waikato River / Credit: NZwj under GNU Free Distribution License
Waipā is set to receive just under $21 million as part of a $2.5 billion Three Waters package for local governments if it accepts the offer.
Under the formula Ōtorohanga will receive just over $10.6 million
Government announced last week a $2.5 billion package to support local government transition through the reforms to New Zealand’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.
The package is also to help stimulate local economies while creating jobs and unlocking infrastructure for housing.
The announcement was made at the Local Government NZ conference in Blenheim, attended by hundreds or council representatives from across the country including Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest, deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, councillor Philip Coles and chief executive Garry Dyet.
The package has been split into two components to ensure extra funding is left over for any financial emergency.
The Government says the funding will be invested in the future of local government and community wellbeing, while also meeting priorities for government investment.
A total of $500 million from the package will be invested in ensuring no local authority is financially worse off as a direct result of the reform.
LGNZ President Stuart Crosby welcomed the Government’s announcement of a support package.
“The package ensures no council will be worse off and every community will be better off under reform, as well as demonstrating a new way for central and local government to work together,” he said.
“It reinforces the pivotal role of local decision making.”
The Waikato River / Credit: NZwj under GNU Free Distribution License
The deal also comes with a commitment to work together with LGNZ to engage and consult with councils and other stakeholders over issues around the water reform.
