Referred to in the LTP as the Greenfield Rural Water Scheme, this project, which aims to provide a better and more reliable water source for Balmoral 1 and 2, Waitahuna, Tuapeka East and West rural water schemes, and the Lawrence, is now expected to be completed by August 2025 (in the LTP, the expected completion date was by the end of 2024). Commissioning will follow to commission before the boil water notice can be lifted. It is important to note that after this phase, as part of fully commissioning the scheme we will need to flush the reservoirs and extensive network of pipes to eliminate any non-compliant water from the network. Consequently, the boil water notice will remain in effect until all testing confirms the water quality is safe for consumption.

Council is currently in the scoping stage to determine the needs of the Milton Water Treatment Plant. The LTP budgeted $2M for the Plant upgrade and $1.5M for manganese reduction. Based on the analysis of manganese and iron results to date, the LTP budget may not be fully required. Council will make further funding decisions once the investigative work is complete and we intend to look at an overall upgrade of the water treatment plant.

Following the October 2024 flood event council proposes to redirect existing budgets to invest an additional $250k in 2025/26 for flooding risks and flow on impacts within these areas. For Tapanui’s water treatment plant $500k has been allocated for filter renewal which is part of the disinfection process.

Council proposes to invest an additional $20K to progress the investigation of the potential design and costings of an integrated Tapanui Community Library – West Otago Community Centre.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Council intends to consider the funding decision for the facility as part of the 2026/2027 Annual Plan.

Council proposes to spend $20.5k to investigate into the current infrastructure resilience and future needs in Waipori Falls Village. Currently, Waipori Falls infrastructure is being managed by a local body corporate and not part of Council’s portfolio. The investigation would allow Council to make further decisions based on the potential costs, benefits and risks of bringing Waipori Falls Village infrastructure into the Council portfolio.

A key consideration for helping our district move forward, Stormwater upgrades remain a major work area for Council with $1.76M budgeted to be spent in 2025/26. This includes the continuation of Embankment Upgrades at the Balclutha Hospital Creek and Lawrence Hospital Creek Improvements.

Wastewater upgrades remain a major work area for Council with $2.4M budgeted to be spent in 2025/26. We will continue with treatment plant upgrades to achieve compliance needs ($592K). Council is also investigating options for land treatment of wastewater in consultation with Iwi. This work may be impacted by revised wastewater standards that are out for consultation.

Urban Drinking Water upgrades remain a major work area for Council with a total of $7.6M budgeted to be spent in 2025/26.

$3.5M is being invested into our Rural Water Schemes, including the continuation of the necessary compliance requirements and water loss reduction programs.

Projects totaling $11.1M will improve and renew our roading network including urban and rural seal extensions, unsealed roads metalling, sealed road resurfacing, and bridge renewals. Originally in our LTP, Council forecast that $13.1M would be invested into our roading network. NZTA have since increased funding towards Sealed Road Resurfacing by $500K, and have significantly reduced other funding areas, predominately in the Footpath Renewals; Sealed Road Pavement Rehabilitations; Low Cost Low Risks and Road Safety, which are the major contributors to the $2M reduction in planned works.

A Special Consultation Process occurred in October 2024, and the Council resolved during the December 2024 Council meeting that this project would proceed with a budget of $19.4M, and that the facility be funded by CDC rates, central government funding, as well as community fundraising and grants from various sectors (both of which will be facilitated by the Bruce Community Facilities Trust). We expect this multi-purpose community library and six lane swimming pool complex to commence physical construction in the later months of 2025, with expected completion in the first quarter of 2027.

Council proposes to continue supporting community-led projects such as the Milton Dog Park, Kaitangata Boat Ramp upgrade, and the Kaka Point Esplanade Playground replacement, and to work with groups across the Clutha District, to support their plans for future projects.

The scoping and planning discussions for this work have occurred, a consent will be lodged and additional funds will be sought from Council for the renewal works required.

Council has joined with Central Otago, Gore and Waitaki councils to explore options for the future delivery of water services under the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme. As part of this collaboration, the councils will explore the design of a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO) and compare this to other practical options, such as leaving water services in-house or setting up a standalone Council CCO. Council intends to present a complete analysis of the options, including Council’s preferred option, for community feedback in May.

Continuation and expansion of Mt Cooee landfill is continuing with a consent expected shortly. $3.1M has been budgeted in the 2025/26 year for the construction of the new Landfill Cell and Transfer Station that receives the waste so that the public will no longer access the tip face. This improves safety and gives better control over the open waste area. Potential future projects may include a shop for resale of salvageable items, bins where recyclable items can be put free of charge, and areas for scrap metal, green waste and other material that can be repurposed. Work to expand the landfill is now being discussed.