A welcome rise in the Waitaki district's population and increasing infrastructure costs are going to have an impact on how the Waitaki District Council plans its budgets and rates for the next 10 years.
Figures out this week show Waitaki's population increased by 300 to 21,700 in the 2013-14 year to June 30, and is forecast to continue to rise.
That will affect the council's 2015-25 long-term plan (LTP), with is just starting to be prepared for public consultation in April next year.
It includes the services to be delivered in the community and at what cost, particularly for ratepayers, along with the projected effect on rates.
Policy and communications manager Fraser Liggetts said forecasts were an important part of the process.
''This information will help council determine how services are delivered, for whom and where, and at what cost,'' he said.
A report on population growth in Waitaki, prepared by consultants Rationale, showed the population was likely to increase by 0.2% (about 200 people) a year on average over the next 10 years.
Most of the population growth was expected in rural areas and Oamaru surrounds with slight declines in Oamaru and townships.
The report also repeated the same messages about the ageing population in Waitaki, with people aged 65+ years forecast to increase to over 35% by 2030.
A Business and Economic Research Ltd report forecast price increases in many infrastructure areas such as energy, roading and water.
The information would be used to help the council understand potential costs, but only as a guide to budgets and not necessarily equate to a comparable increase in rates.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the forecasts still indicated a growing community, particularly in rural areas.
''Growth can be attributed to areas such as irrigation and tourism, Understanding the potential changes over the next 10-30 years will allow the council to prioritise and target our resources to have the greatest benefit for our community,'' he said.
