Western Bay of Plenty District Council is exploring a fairer approach to funding indoor facilities, such as sports centres.

In its Long Term Plan 2024-34, it is proposing introducing a new $50 fixed fee per property, that would go towards a community facilities fund.

The fund criteria would be developed in the next 12 months, in consultation with the community, and the fee would be introduced in the 2025/26 financial year.

The other option outlined in Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 is to continue to fund community facilities on a case-by-case basis but investigate other funding approaches that could be considered through the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan.

“The cost of building and running indoor community facilities has increased and the current funding approach needs a rethink,” says council operations manager Kerrie Little.

“There are several projects waiting for potential Council funding but, while we have clear direction on some facilities, we don’t on others.”

There are rules around how Council supports community halls, libraries, swimming pools and club-based facilities on sportsgrounds, but in smaller communities where there aren’t any facilities, and for some types of groups and clubs, Council’s role is less clear, explains Kerrie.

“Currently, we decide on funding on a case-by-case basis. But this way, we might miss out on opportunities and only help the groups who ask first. It can also make things unfair across our District.”

In the past two years, Council has put around $350,000 towards community facilities. It also provides 11 facilities with lease agreements at less than the market rate.

“When community groups receive Council funding towards their facilities, it makes it easier for them to access additional funding from other sources. So, we want to provide more structure to help them leverage that funding,” says Kerrie.

“We want to know how people feel about contributing to a community facilities fund, and if it goes ahead we will be going back out to the community for feedback on what types of projects should be supported.”

“We need a good plan for funding, to make sure community facilities have enough money to be built and maintained properly. We hope the community will get on board and share their thoughts with us so we can develop a plan together.”

How to put yourself in the picture

• Online l wānanga ipurangi: www.haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/LTP
• Hard copy l pepa mārō: Grab a feedback form at any of our Library and Service Centres in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke or to the main Council Office at Barkes Corner, Greerton.
• In person l ā kanohi: Come talk to us at one of our community events.
• Email l īmēra: Email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz with the subject line 'LTP Submission'. Include your full name and address.
• Present your views: This is an opportunity to provide your feedback to councillors in Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 June. Please email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz by Monday 17 June 2024 to secure a timeslot. We will be in touch with a time for you.