West Coast councils are signaling they may join forces to manage and improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

Their preferred option for all councils under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform is a multi-council CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) – a water organisation jointly owned by the Grey, Westland and Buller district councils.

This could save ratepayers about $1000 a year, compared to keeping services in-house, as the three waters get much-needed investment. Grey alone needs to spend about $60 million, Westland $90 million and with Buller needing to spend $100 million on water projects.

The alternative option proposed by Councils would see each council continue to deliver its water services through a separate, standalone internal business unit model

The councils believe they will be stronger by working together, and now want to hear what the public think via submissions.

Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson said there were efficiencies to be gained from working together. “We are finding ways to do better.” Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund, said the three councils could create a West Coast entity entirely focussed on water.

“This is the most economically viable option, and Coasters would still control and own three waters infrastructure.”

Westland Mayor Helen Lash said the consultation was about ensuring Westland residents had a clear voice in decisions about their water services. “We are working alongside neighbouring West Coast councils to consider all viable options, but ultimately, feedback from our community will be crucial in guiding what’s right for Westland.” Westland District Council chief executive Barbara Phillips, said the consultation would help shape the future of local water services. “While each council is consulting separately, we’ve been working closely together to explore a range of options that could benefit the wider region, without disadvantaging our district, and deliver the best outcome for Westland for the future.”

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he had thought for some time that working with other councils was a smart idea, especially if this could bring multiple benefits for residents of Buller. “Now I look forward to hearing from the community on where we gave got to so far and potentially working further with both Grey and Westland. Government has mandated significant changes, and working collaboratively with others is an essential avenue to explore.”

The Government is reforming the three waters sector, and has made it clear the status-quo is not an option, in the wake of the Havelock North water contamination.

The Grey, Buller and Westland councils are now asking the West Coast public for feedback on different options.

They believe a CCO is most affordable and could save money by procuring joint contracts, supplies, sharing software and vehicles, and streamlining decision making.

Councils – including elected members – would no longer be involved in day-to-day decisions.

The CCO would be responsible for its own funding and charging customers. It would take on council water-related debt.

Property owners without a sewer and water-line to their property – and who use a tank for drinking water and sceptic tank for sewage – would not get a water bill.

Metering water, to charge for use, would be a decision for the new Coast-wide entity, if the councils agree to proceed.

The other option put forward by the Grey and Buller councils would see each continuing to deliver water services as a stand-alone business unit within their council.

This would need more staff to support reporting requirements. An in-house unit would not allow each council to borrow any additional money for water project.

Councils would continue to own their districts’ water services assets. Under the stand-alone internal business unit model, councils would still be responsible for daily operations, long-term strategic planning, and managing and developing water services infrastructure, whilst being required to meet the new regulatory requirements and would remain accountable to the community.

Under this option, property owners would pay higher charges than they currently do.

Councils’ debt levels increase under this option.

The Grey District Council is planning to meet with stakeholders, and then hold a public drop-in session on June 4 at Monteith’s from 5pm to 7pm. A webinar will also be held, and advertised in advance, for those unable to attend.

The Westland District Council is planning to hold a public drop-in session on Wednesday 21 May at Snakebite in Franz Josef from 2.30pm to 4pm and Monday 26 May 10am -12 noon at Council reception.

Submissions close on June 16.

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