Introduction

This is the first time Council will charge a development contribution for roading. A roading DC will initially focus on helping pay for the growth share of the new road connecting the Second Ashburton Bridge to Grahams Road. It may also be used for future roading projects that cater for growth.

What will it cost?

  • Council has budgeted $4.9 million in 2025/26 and $20 million in 2026/27 to pay for the construction of the connecting road. This is our best estimate currently.
  • NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Council will finalise a contract price soon and the Policy will be updated when this is available.

Why is this needed?

  • The district is growing, leading to more cars, trucks and traffic that will use the new connecting road over the next thirty years.
  • New development increases demand on the whole roading network.
Without a DC, the cost of meeting demands on the roading network falls entirely on ratepayers.

What options did Council consider?

These are the reasonable and practicable options that Council has considered.

  • Option A - Introduce a district roading DC

    Under this Option, Council will introduce a new district roading development contribution. This will help allocate costs for growth to developments that generate growth and shift some costs off ratepayers. It will apply across the district as a whole.

    If you prefer this Option, let us know! 

  • Option B - No new roading development contribution

    Under this option, no new roading DC would be introduced and the growth costs of the Second Ashburton Bridge connecting road will not be shared across new developments.

    If you prefer this Option, let us know!