As you will be aware, "Local Water Done Well" is the Coalition Government's policy addressing water infrastructure challenges, with a focus on local control, flexibility, and meeting water quality and regulatory standards.
This will result in a once in a generational change to how this critical service will be delivered to our communities. Maintaining the status quo is not an option – the final model will be subject to economic regulation by the Commerce Commission. It is of the utmost importance that we get this right.
We are actively collaborating with our neighboring councils, including Timaru, to explore what benefits and opportunities a joint model might deliver. To that end, several South Canterbury councils have provided water data to Martin Jenkins (a specialist advisory firm) who are working with us to prepare joint financial projections and modelling. We are also undertaking modelling for a standalone council business unit, to give a point of comparison to a potential combined scheme.
Our intention is to find a solution for the people of the Mackenzie that best provides a water service that is compliant with the new government legislation, and financially sustainable into the future, balancing the cost of delivery with appropriate oversight and management.
Before we make that decision, councillors will consider the merits of a number of options, which must be underpinned with robust data and comprehensive analysis. We will also undertake community consultation to ensure we have listened to the views of our residents and ratepayers.
We are working through the process of developing options for consideration but cannot comment on the outcome until all the data is available and we are able to make a fully informed decision. We expect to be seeking feedback from the community in May before Councilors adopt the preferred approach in June.
Acting Mayor Karen Morgan and Chief Executive Angela Oosthuizen