Growth and demand
Growth and demand
The Matamata-Piako District is growing and our urban towns are forecast to continue to grow, which is great for building thriving communities. Our population has grown by around 7.5% from 2018 to 2023 (34,404 to 37,098), with Morrinsville growing by around 13.14% and Matamata by around 12.67% over the same period.
We are currently processing a steady number of resource consents each year, and have demand for Private Plan changes, Special Assessments and Development Agreements; however these are impacted by current economic conditions. Matamata-Piako became a member of Future Proof in 2021, a sub-regional group made up of councils, iwi, and central government. The Waikato Councils involved in Future Proof work together to not only plan for now, but for the future. To achieve this, the Future Proof councils use the high population projections that are completed by Te Ngira at Waikato University.
Council's Response
- A rolling review of our District Plan means we proactively enable growth and development by identifying suitable land for residential, business and industry development.
- Our Infrastructure Strategy provides planning through to 2054 for our roads and transport networks, 3 waters, and Community Facilities.
- Infrastructure development required by growth is paid for by Development Contributions as provided for within our Development Contributions Policy.
- We completed a Housing and Business Assessment in 2021 that identified the amount of land we needed for the next 30 years.
What's on the horizon?
Challenges
- Population growth and land intensification increases the demand for infrastructure services in urban centres.
- Our ageing population increases demand for accessibility and changes the way infrastructure assets and services are used.
- RMA Reform – it is proposed that spatial planning will be done at a regional level. It is not yet known how local communities can have input into these plans/strategies.
- We don’t want to burden ratepayers with costs too early, or leave growth projects too long, resulting in poor service. Getting the timing right is important, and tricky.
- Fonterra have decided they cannot continue to be the water supplier for the village of Waitoa. Taumata Arowai (the new water regulator) requires us to help come up with a solution. You can find out more on this issue here.
Opportunities
- RMA Reform – we can prepare our communities for the changes by making sure our environmental and spatial planning reflects the vision of our communities, we will also submit on the reform to influence where we can and get the best outcomes for the community.
- Partnerships – making our towns and settlements attractive, people-friendly and accessible is mutually beneficial to private investors, community groups and us. This common goal can be the catalyst for partnerships and collaborations.
- Pro-active and strategic planning now can enable more efficient land use and development in the future. The housing and business assessment provides the background information to inform future plan changes.
What do you stand for?
- What is your vision for our district?
- How can we partner with others to enable responsible and sustainable growth for our district?
- How should growth and development be funded?
