14 July 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Submissions on resource consent applications for MHUD-contracted emergency housing motels
Enquiry
Reporter had the following questions regarding the item in today’s Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee meeting about the recommendation to apply for the Three Waters ‘Better Off’ tranche 1 funding of $8.05m for the Aquatic Centre redevelopment project:
What is the stage 2 shortfall exactly?
If you have a breakdown of the materials which have seen a cost increase can you please provide that including how much they have gone up by?
Can I also please clarify the costs of the centre redevelopment?
The 2021-2031 LTP estimates the full three-stage redevelopment would cost $28.3 million with $17.9m to come from the council and the rest from external funding
Response
From Jean-Paul Gaston:
As mentioned in the meeting today, we are in the tendering process so do not yet have final costings but we know that construction costs have increased across the board, we’re facing rising inflation and rising interest rates and all of this impacts on project costs. These challenges are not unique to our organisation and have been widely reported, including in the Daily Post.
The $8.05m in Better Off funding will save us $8.05m in debt that we would otherwise have incurred to complete this project.
Regarding the clarification sought about project budget figures:
Reporter was advised that we had checked and the figure that JP was given, $34.6m, is incorrect. The budget for the project remains $28.3m as per the LTP.
We apologised for any confusion.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Submissions on resource consent applications for MHUD-contracted emergency housing motels
Enquiry
I'm just seeking some information around the resource consent submissions for the Government-contracted motels in Rotorua. The submission process closed on Monday.
Are you able to tell me the following information?
- How many submissions were received?
- How many were for/against the applications?
- What happens now?
- Do all submitters get the opportunity to speak to their submissions?
Response
From Jason Ward, Manager, Planning & Development Solutions:
Collation of submissions is underway.
We can provide you with figures once that is completed which will be some time next week.
We are preparing a summary of submissions for the commissioners which will help to determine the size and length of the hearing. The commissioners will direct us regarding the process from here and the date of the hearing.
All submitters who have asked that they be able to speak to their submission will have the opportunity to do so at the hearing and will be notified of the details of the hearing and their allocated time.