Ag 19feb2014

Page 1

Ashburton cricketer first to 302

Road repairs blamed for P5 crashes

P3

ASHBURTON

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014

Since Sept 27, 1879

Retail $1.40 Home delivered from 95c

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY

Decision time for water slide BY SUE NEWMAN

SUE.N@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ

Tomorrow is D-Day for Ashburton’s new aquatic centre water slide project. A business case for the water slide has been made, it will be debated tomorrow and mayor Angus McKay and his councillors will have to decide whether to tag $2.2 million in next year’s budget for the project or whether to put it on ice. There has been a strong push by the community and by the Ashburton Stadium Trust to have water slides installed and ready for the EA Networks Centre opening in mid-2015. The council, however, has been cautious because the project will be funded through rates. In August 2012 councillors asked for a business case to be prepared on the water slides; now councillors will have to decide whether the cost will be one that will push ratepayers’ tolerance too far.

The business case offers three options with three price tags. Each option shows the potential for an operating loss, with a pay back period of between 5.8 and 11.6 years. If the council decides it does not want water slides in place when the complex opens, the features can still be added at a later date. Pipes and pumps will be installed during construction but it will cost an additional $90,000 to install these at a later date. If the council gives the project the green light and it is built into next year’s budget, ratepayer reaction will be gauged through feedback on its budget (the annual plan). A final decision would then be delayed until the consultation process is completed in May. The EA Networks Centre is budgeted to cost $32 million without the water slides.

DETAILS

P4

Battling on the water Soaring temperatures provided a stunning day for the Mount Hutt College swimming sports where five records were broken. FULL STORY

P28 Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!

START A NEW CHAPTER

WITH A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES

Lochlea Lifestyle Resort - Ashburton’s first complete lifestyle resort, providing luxurious two and three bedroom villas, recreational lodge, and soon to be built 80 bed hospital with aged care and dementia facilities. Life just gets better.

Weather: High 21˚ - Overnight 13˚ Page 26

Puzzles: Page 25

Entrance off Racecourse Rd, Ashburton Phone 03 307 9080 Email tony@lochlearesort.co.nz www.lochlearesort.co.nz

Television: Page 27

TONY SANDS - Resort Manager To organise a personal tour contact Tony on 0800 2727 837

Family Notices: Page 26

www.guardianonline.co.nz


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Ag 19feb2014 by Ashburton Guardian - Issuu