News & Events
- First Edition
- First Rate
- Flyers
- Key Dates
- News/Media Releases
- Southern Fire Fighters Heading to Victoria
- Mayor Criticises Roading Changes
- Council congratulates Barnes
- New Treatment System for Scheme
- Winter driving campaign starts
- Land use consent granted to South Coast Dairy
- Council saddened by mill closure
- Presentation on new code planned
- Revamp for Council website
- Record number of submissions
- Councils working together
- District funding of water and sewerage postponed
- Council defends response timeframes
- Council to apply for consent to clear vegetation
- Resurfacing contract let
- Proposed plan changes to be notified
- Southern Councils pleased with cycle trail announcement
- Next steps in joint planning review process
- Preliminary work on cycle trail moves along
- Council urges decision on subsidy
- Feedback sought on Curio Bay draft plan
- Rock quarry granted consent
- Proposed plan changes notified
- English visits south
- Unqualified Annual Report adopted
- Regional CD organisation step closer
- New Papatotara Coast Road opened
- Our Towns
- Public Notices
- RSS Feeds
- Emergency Road Closures
English visits south
Friday, 30 October 2009Acting Prime Minister Bill English is to investigate Southland's roading issues after a meeting with representatives from Southland District Council and Federated Farmers yesterday. Mr English said he was happy to take up the issues raised with the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Mrs Cardno said the meeting was very helpful as both she and the Federated Farmers representatives were able to put their views and information across.
Federated Farmers spokesman Doug Fraser emphasised the importance of the rural road network to the New Zealand economy.
"Any shortfall in funding would have to be met by Southland ratepayers, particularly the farming community who pay 70% of the District Council's roading rate," Mr Fraser said.
Council has major concerns about the constrained funding from NZTA for its roading budget and has raised these at national level with Transport Minister Steven Joyce.
Of particular concern are the constrained funding for the reseal programme and the reductions to unsealed road maintenance and snow clearing.
"Mr English is our MP as well as being Finance Minister and so it is important he is fully aware of the issues we are facing here in the south.
"We are struggling to maintain our roads now and the constrained funding is going to hurt us and the Southland economy," Mrs Cardno said.
"We really appreciate the fact that Mr English took the time to come to Council and talk to us," Federated Farmers Southland provincial president Rod Pemberton said.
The group asked Mr English for help in finding solutions that could meet the needs of both parties.
