Councils vote on four remits at conference
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) member councils yesterday (Sunday 19 July) voted to support four topical remits, during the AGM at the 2015 Local Government Conference in Rotorua.
Smoking outside cafes, restaurants and bars:
The first remit requested that LGNZ ask the Government to develop and implement legislation to prohibit smoking outside cafes, restaurants and bars.
Levy on plastic shopping bags:
The second remit asked that the Government impose a compulsory levy on plastic shopping bags at point of sale. Members voted strongly in favour.
Members speaking to this remit said they supported the government's recent announcement to invest $1.2 million dollars in recycling stations at some major retail outlets but argued that more action was needed. Whilst recycling is important, the country must also focus on reduction in bag usage. Local government's view is imposing a compulsory levy at the point of sale will act as a deterrent, reducing the total number of single use plastic bags produced. The introduction of levies in countries like Denmark, Ireland and China have led to a dramatic reduction in plastic bag use.
Subsidy for water and wastewater schemes:
The third remit was two-fold. First, that LGNZ urgently engages with the government to have the water and wastewater subsidy schemes re-introduced. Second, that the funding available be at least $20 million per annum for water supply schemes and at least $20 million per annum for wastewater schemes. Members unanimously supported both parts of the remit.
LGNZ's view is this funding will support better water quality requirements under the Government's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
Most importantly, these subsidy schemes will provide important funding support for small communities who cannot afford to upgrade their water and waste water infrastructure. This effectively represents the reinstatement and top up of Government subsidy schemes established in 2002 and 2005, says LGNZ President Lawrence Yule.
It also emphasises the importance of appropriate funding for local government where costs are centrally imposed; a key topic in LGNZ's Local Government Funding Review manifesto being released on the morning of 21 July at LGNZ's conference.
Rating on Crown property:
The fourth remit asked LGNZ to investigate the possibility, practicality and principle of local authorities charging rates against Crown owned properties. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour, again a significant topic covered by LGNZ's Local Government Funding Review.
LGNZ President Lawrence Yule said these were important issues for our communities.
Our communities have spoken. We now have a strong mandate from New Zealand's local governments and the communities they represent to move forward and work with the government to progress these matters, said Mr Yule.