Activity Group: People underpins most of the delivery of community services in Marlborough. Passenger Transport and Total Mobility Scheme Advocating for the needs of the community sector is an ongoing issue, particularly Public transport services give people access to economic and social opportunities. given the changes being experienced in the age and ethnicity of the community. Council currently operates an urban bus service in Blenheim and a district-wide Strengthening relationships with key organisations, and providing training and support. mobility scheme. Council has agreed to a 2 year trial of an extension of current will build the capacity of the sector. services to Renwick. Council also assists by providing community grants. Criteria for these grants have These activities are part funded by the NZ Transport Agency. In addition, Bayleys been set to target specific needs in the community and relationships with other funding Marlborough provides sponsorship funding for the bus service. providers have the potential to maximise the funds available. The contestable grant provides one-off funding for not-for-profit organisations Energy Efficiency • providing essential services in the Marlborough community, supporting community Council promotes energy efficiency by providing upfront funding for approved home welfare, social services, the environment and/or sports and recreation. insulation, solar water heating and clean heating solutions. This will be extended to photo voltaic systems in the future. • Council contracts the Youth Trust to deliver youth services and Volunteer Marlborough to build the capacity of the voluntary sector through training. This cost is recovered over nine years through a voluntary targeted property rate for participating households. The rates recovery amount also includes interest, an Safer Communities administration charge and GST on all costs. This is cost neutral to Council. Community safety is an important component of the “living” Community Outcome, Smart and connected communities which is “Marlborough’s enviable community facilities, infrastructure, landscapes and climate enables our community to thrive. Life in Marlborough is safe and healthy”. Council has supported the establishment of community-led groups in some of our larger communities (Havelock, Picton, Renwick and Seddon) via the Smart+Connected Council has reviewed its role in community safety and has resolved to commit to process. These groups have developed a strategic plan and a number of working longer term arrangements with the Police and central government wherever possible. groups to implement their plans through their own efforts, and by working with key A number of projects organised by the Safer Communities Marlborough section of the partners including Council, other public providers and businesses. The Smart + Council contribute to community well-being. These result in positive outcomes at Connected groups have successfully galvanised a large number of people in each minimum direct cost to the Council as the majority of the Safer Communities activities community to participate in the groups and to achieve agreed actions. are self-funding via Government grants. Security Major Budgeted Capital Projects The security camera network in the Blenheim and Picton CBD is managed by the The following table outlines the major budgeted projects and areas of expenditure Council’s Support Services Department and is funded by rates. proposed for this Activity over the next 10 years. Although these items are budgeted, in Events Management some cases further public consultation will be required with the relevant community before the project is implemented. These projects are also listed under the Capital Free community based events make a positive contribution to the well-being of the Expenditure line of the Funding Impact Statement at the end of this Activity section. community by enhancing cultural identity, physical activity and social cohesion. Events also have a role to play in attracting visitors to Marlborough, along with showcasing Asset Major Capital Projects Inflated value and promoting the area. (Millions) Marlborough Festival and Events Trust and Go Marlborough have a contract to 2018-28 Provision for construction of three organise events on behalf of the Council, including the summer concert series, Bus Shelters additional bus shelters per year to meet Levels $0.2 Blenheim Christmas parade, senior citizens concerts, Christmas festival, Southern of Service Jam youth festival, children’s theatre and the New Year celebrations. They attract up to Emerging Issues and Expected Changes 5,000 attendees per event. Changing demographics The changing age structure of the Marlborough community will pose some challenges 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 42