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Last modified: 29 Jul 2020 10:20am

Economic confidence, continuing growth and community development are key themes in the Council’s latest Annual Report, just released.

The 2017/18 report notes that with a population estimated at over 60,000 Selwyn is now the third-largest territorial authority in the South Island – and our economy is growing at double the national average.

Mayor Sam Broughton says the Council is continuing to play a central role in providing the essential services, infrastructure and facilities to support a growing community. “We’re pleased to be contributing to Selwyn’s success,” he says. “Our results for the year outline the investment we are making to support our communities and make sure we are well placed to accommodate the growth that we expect will continue for some time.”

During 2017/18 the Council achieved 88% of its performance targets for the year – a 2% increase on the previous year.

Building activity has remained strong with 2,458 building consents issued during the year, reflecting the ongoing development of new residential subdivisions.Annual report

Major new community facilities this year included the opening of the Dunsandel and Tai Tapu Community Centres, with West Melton opening shortly, while earthquake strengthening was completed at Ladbrooks and Springston halls. Progress was made on the planned Rolleston town centre with initial concept designs released.

Work continued to develop Foster Park as an important sport and recreation hub, including the completion of a new playground and additional sports fields, and extending the footpath network.

Major roading projects included intersection upgrades at two busy Rolleston locations, Masefield Drive/Rolleston Drive and Jones Road/Hoskyns Road. Both projects included installation of traffic lights, footpaths and other infrastructure.

Across the district, this year the Council completed resealing on 77.1 kilometres of roads, repaired 5,273 potholes and maintained over 1,000 kilometres of unsealed roads.

A major upgrade to the Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant included a new bio-reactor and upgrades to the sludge solar drying hall and UV treatment system.

New community initiatives launched this year included the Show Me Selwyn bus tours and Everything Selwyn website, both aimed at supporting newcomers to the district. The Council also delivered an expanded Summer in Selwyn event programme, and helped celebrate our growing diversity through events like CultureFest.

Overall the Council’s financial position remains sound. Expenditure for the year was $100.6 million compared with budget of $99 million. Revenue for the year was $146 million compared with budget of $128.6 million. Population and housing growth resulted in higher than anticipated revenue from both rates and development contributions, while increased vested assets reflected the high level of subdivision activity.

Development contributions are retained for future infrastructure provision and cannot be used to reduce rates, while vested assets are a non-cash item and are also not available to reduce rates.