About the proposal
The Government has made $2 billion available to all councils as part of the Three Waters Reform in recognition of the significance of the proposed transfer of assets and responsibility for water services delivery. The purpose of the funding is to support councils to transition to their new role post Three Waters Reform through meeting some or all of the specified criteria, as below.
The better off funding is focused on community wellbeing and has been allocated based on population size, deprivation index ratings and land area. The Waimate District Council’s total share of the Better Off Funding Package is $9.68 million.
This funding is distributed in two tranches. Tranche 1 has a value of up to $2.42 million, which will be funded by the Government. Due to an extension granted by the Department of Internal Affairs, Council has until 30 November 2022 to apply for Tranche 1 funding. The remainder of the funding ($7.26 million) via Tranche 2, which is funded by the entities and likely through borrowing, will be available for work that commences from 1 July 2024.
Funding criteria
Projects and initiatives must provide value for money, demonstrate wellbeing outcomes and meet at least one of the following criteria:
a. Supporting communities to transition to a sustainable and low-emissions economy, including by building resilience to climate change and natural hazards.
b. Delivery of infrastructure and/or services that enable housing development and growth, with a focus on brownfield* and infill development opportunities where those are available.
c. Delivery of infrastructure and/or services that support local place-making and improvements in community wellbeing.
In addition, they must also be new projects and initiatives, existing projects already included in our current Long Term Plan that could be scaled up or accelerated, and completed on or before 30 June 2027.
