29 August 2018

The Tasman District Council is reviewing the implications of yesterday’s in-principle decision not to proceed with the Waimea Community Dam, with the Long Term Plan (LTP) at the centre.

The implications and consequences are wide reaching covering everything from planning to infrastructure development and everything in between, said acting CEO Richard Kirby. “The full impact of the decision will not be fully visible until mid-next week at the earliest.

“One thing is certain though and that is the current year’s rates. They have been set and cannot be changed including the Waimea Community Dam- Environmental and Community Benefits Districtwide Rate and Waimea Community Dam- Environmental and Community Benefits Zone Of Benefit rate.

“The Council has always said that in the event the project didn’t proceed, the funds collected by the rates will fund costs already incurred- so there won’t be refunds on these rates. The rates stand for 2018-2019 as assessed and will appear on the 2nd-4th instalments as well.

“The Council has incurred costs to date on the Dam project which will need to be funded. We don’t know what this will look like in terms of rate type, how charged, or quantum after the 2018-2019 rating year as this will be a decision to be made by the Council.

“As the full implications are worked through we will communicate the impact and changes necessary to current and future decisions.”

ENDS

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