Outcomes from deliberations: Draft Long-Term Plan 2025-2034

Buller District Council has successfully concluded its deliberations on the 2025-2034 Draft Long-Term Plan.

The draft plan documents were adopted at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 23 April 2025 and made available for public review.

Following an extensive consultation period from 25 April to 26 May 2024, the community was invited to present their feedback in person during public hearings held between 9-10 June.

Throughout the consultation period, council actively engaged with the community. Public drop-in sessions and meetings were held across various locations, information was presented in the district wide Connect newsletters and council’s online survey portal, Let’s Talk Buller was also available, providing relevant information and assisting the submission of feedback.

This extensive engagement process ensured that the council received a wide range of perspectives and insights from members of the community.

In response to the feedback received, council has made several key decisions:

• Wastewater/stormwater separation – this will be covered by a targeted rate for the areas affected by this issue, which are Westport and Carters Beach.
  
  
• Becoming a guarantor of the Local Government Funding Authority (LGFA) – council agreed to become a guarantor of the LGFA, which opens up around a $100,000 saving for the next financial year. This money has been allocated to fund further repairs and maintenance for community halls.
  
  
• Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations – council approved the purchase of the compactors for both these facilities.
  
  
• Brougham House and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) – council removed the budget for the replacement of these buildings, but did reserve $126,000 for a scoping exercise in 2025/26.
  
  
• Westport drinking water trunk main extension – council approved the capital budget for the extension of the trunk main from Queen Street to Alma Road.
  
  
• Westport drinking water: re-establishment of the North Branch/tunnel lining – council approved committing to this work.
  
  
• Untreated drinking water supplies: Waimangaroa, Mōkihinui and Little Wanganui – council approved the funding for end-user self-treatment devices, providing they meet the requirements of the legislation that will be outlined later this year.
  
  
• Westport wastewater: Riley Place Pump Station and pipe network replacement – council has approved this work.

In another significant move, council has reviewed the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC), which will increase from $580 to $600.

Deliberations were held on 11 and 12 June, where grant requests for funding in the next financial year were also discussed and approved.

Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “The final proposed rates movement for 2025-2026 is 5.94%. The new indicative rate will guide the preparation of the final Long-Term Plan document, which is scheduled for adoption on 30 June 2025.

These outcomes reflect council’s ongoing commitment to being open, accountable, and responsive to the community’s needs and concerns.”

The Long-Term Plan will take effect from 1 July 2025.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.