A major report showing how the region values its environment was a highlight for the Taranaki Regional Council in 2008/09, according to its annual report published this week.
Reporting on a challenging but successful year and a strong financial result, the Council Chairman David MacLeod says the five-yearly State of the Environment Report published in April showed how the environment is valued and well managed by the community.
"Like any report card, though, there were positives and negatives," he says. "The State of the Environment Report highlighted good progress on many fronts, acknowledged the environmental efforts of many, and pointed to areas where more work is needed."
Other 2008/09 highlights for the Council included:
- The regional community reaping the benefits of its investment in Yarrow Stadium, with one All Black Test hosted, and another on the way along with three 2011 Rugby World Cup games.
- The public embracing Taranaki's garden icons, Tupare and Hollard Gardens, following their redevelopment.
- Changes and developments in the transport area.
- Progress in well-established and effective programmes in areas such as possum control and land management.
The Council finished the year with a $1.3 million operating surplus and no public debt.
A summary of the Council's 2008/09 Annual Report is being circulated with community papers this coming week (21 and 22 October).
The full report is available at public libraries around the region, on the Council's website at www.trc.govt.nz/annual-reports/, and from the Council office at 47 Cloten Road, Stratford.