The end of the financial year triggers a host of annual reports, but before we begin rolling out work planned in Year 1 of the Long Term Plan I want to thank all those who helped shape this key document.

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We received 1522 submissions during consultation and we’re grateful to see such a show of enthusiasm and commitment for the future of our district.

We read and considered each and every submission, both from individuals and organisations, and your input was important in helping Council make decisions around the important issues now and in the future.

We’ve ended up with sensible and forward-looking Long Term Plan that serves the best interests of the district.

The best interests of the district are also uppermind as staff consider Government’s most recent 40-point action plan and how it affects our work programme.

Sixteen of the 40 points directly affect Local Government, including:

• The Local Water Done Well Bill requires councils to deliver plans for financially sustainable water services.
• The new speed limit rule will reverse the previous blanket speed limit reductions.
• Cabinet plans to introduce legislation to tighten controls on teen vaping.
• Reforms of the Resource Management Act.

These are just a few of the actions that we need to keep abreast of and provide input on, and consider how they will affect the people in our patch.

School holidays, and an important rugby test, are on the horizon this weekend and if you are travelling on the roads then please take care.

If you're staying at home in Ashburton, then best plan for some congestion.