District-wide rating for community centres and halls, reserves - consultation now closed
Consultation has concluded
LTP consultation now closed
Consultation has now closed on Selwyn District Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) Consultation Document, Fast Forward ’28 – thank you to those who provided us with valuable feedback.
We received several hundred formal submissions and online comments on Council’s proposed key projects and activities which we’re planning over the next 10 years. All feedback on our proposals will be considered by the Council as part of its decision-making on the LTP.
Copies of the formal submissions can be viewed on the Council website from Friday 18 May.
What’s next?
Public hearings of submissions on the plan will be held on 23-24 May, and the Council will hold its deliberations on 30-31 May. The Council expects to formally adopt the Plan in late June.
Keep an eye on the Council website for updates: http://www.selwyn.govt.nz/home.
What’s proposed?
A district-wide rating system to fund the district’s community centres and halls, and reserves. This would replace the current system of targeted rates paid by local communities.
Across Selwyn, the Council provides a network of 25 community centres and halls, along with 34 recreational reserves. These facilities are funded primarily by targeted rates paid by each local community. Although this system has helped to ensure community involvement and pride in local facilities, it is difficult for some communities to maintain or upgrade facilities because of limited funds.
The Council is proposing to replace the current system with a standard district-wide rate, paid by all ratepayers. Some communities would pay less than they currently do under the current system, while some would pay more.
The proposed change would mean all ratepayers contribute equally to a network of facilities that are available to everybody, and would spread the cost of larger facilities more widely. It would ensure funding is available for improvements to facilities in smaller communities, and avoids the need for large rate rises or local fundraising for upgrading or replacement.
Local community involvement would be maintained, with local committees continuing to providing input on community needs and services, and making recommendations to the Council.
How will this be funded?
A district-wide community centre and halls rate of $100 a year (increasing to $220 in 2027/28), paid by all ratepayers, replacing existing variable targeted rates
A district-wide reserves rate of $125 a year (rising to $155 in 2027/28), paid by all ratepayers, replacing existing variable targeted rates
