A pre-election report by the Waitaki District Council, described by Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton as a ''waste of time'', has now been released, well before October's election.
The report, intended to provide information for both the community and prospective candidates who might be considering becoming involved in the election, has no major surprises in terms of projections for the 2012-13 financial year nor any for future years.
The report is required under the Local Government Act 2002 prior to a local government election, with the expectation it will enable and encourage better-informed election debate.
Chief executive Michael Ross said that, along with an overview of the council's role and function within the Waitaki district, and some background information on the district itself, the report included a summary of its financial strategy, financial statements covering the previous two years' results, estimates for the current 2012-13 financial period and projections for the following three years.
''These show how the council manages its finances and are compared with the long-term financial strategy which was adopted as part of the 2012-22 Long Term Plan in 2012.
Also included is a summary of major projects which are either under way, or which are proposed to be undertaken over the next three years,'' Mr Ross said earlier this week.
Projects listed include upgrades to drinking water supplies, coastal road works, the North End Business Park and work at the gallery, library and archive, plus the museum redevelopment.
Mr Ross hoped the report would be useful to anyone with an interest in council matters, particularly those considering standing in the upcoming elections.
A copy of the report is available on council's website (under Publications) and through services centres in Oamaru and Palmerston.
