Murchison Plans 2012-2022

This page contains plans and projects for the Murchison Settlement outlined in Council's Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.

Murchison Settlement Area

Population Projection

Settlement Area

Population.

Population

adjusted to SNZ 2006 Estimate

Series

Applied

2011

2016

2021

2026

2031

Murchison

479

492

Medium

482

472

453

443

433

The projected decrease in population of -49 people represents a growth rate of -10.7% between 2011-2031 for Murchison.

Murchison is the District's southern most settlement. It is a rural service centre supported mainly by farming, mining and tourism.  It provides a base for outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, tramping hunting and fishing.

Rapid bank erosion by the powerful Buller River places properties at the ends of Fairfax and Grey Streets at some risk.  Further urban development is inappropriate in this vicinity and rural zoning of land close to the river is being retained.

Recently, additional public parking has been provided in Fairfax Street which eases traffic congestion in the main street.

Growth Planning

Future residential demand is expected to be satisfied from a combination of land already zoned residential and from the area zoned Rural 2 Deferred Residential located next to the existing residential area to the east of the settlement.  Refer to the attached Murchison Growth Model map.  Future demand for business land is expected to be satisfied from infill within the existing Central Business District and Light Industrial areas.

Major Projects Planned for Murchison 2012-2022

Engineering (refer to the attached Murchison infrastructure map):

  • Murchison Infrastructure Map Final
  • Upgrade Murchison water treatment plant to meet the Government’s drinking water standards (2012-2014).
  • Murchison water pipeline renewals (2016-2018 and 2021/2022).
  • Murchison stormwater pipeline renewals (2018/2019).
  • Stormwater improvements to the recreation centre stream to Fairfax Street (2019-2020).
  • Improvements to Murchison solid waste resource recovery centre during the 10 years.

Community Services:

  • Continued support for Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre.