Development of key policies

I would like to talk about policy development in the six priority areas.
 

We will strive to develop endogenous industries that make use of the rich natural environment of Niseko Town, promote collaboration between agriculture, tourism, and commerce and industry, and utilize the energy that exists in the region and the circulation of the economy within the region. In addition, we will promote efforts toward self-sustaining local economies through various collaborations with companies, universities, research institutes, etc. that share and empathize with the philosophy of urban development.

The global spread of the coronavirus and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have created an unstable social situation. The situation surrounding agricultural (dairy farming) management is becoming increasingly severe, such as the reduction of management stabilization measures and the adjustment of sugar beet production. I'm here.
　
Currently, in response to the increasing food security risks, global environmental problems, and expansion of overseas markets, the Japanese government has enacted the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas, which has passed 20 years since its enactment. In addition to proceeding with consideration for the revision of the 2021 as a pillar of the national agricultural policy.
　
Based on these national agricultural policies, the town will continue to promote clean agriculture and recycling-oriented agriculture, and will work to establish a crop rotation system based on soil preparation. In order to promote this, with the cooperation of related organizations, we will consider the way of agricultural production suitable for Honmachi. At the same time, we believe that it is important to secure sales channels that make use of our strengths as a tourist resort based on the technical capabilities that enable the production of multiple items, which is a feature of Honcho agriculture.

On the other hand, however, along with the aging of agricultural workers, in addition to the existing shortage of human resources, there is a remarkable rise in employment costs due to the impact of wage increases in the regional tourism industry. The introduction of machinery has also become important. For this reason, we will promote measures to secure human resources, taking into account the stable acceptance of foreign trainees and measures to secure a collaborative labor force in the JA Yotei area.
This year, we will continue to support the sustainability of agriculture suitable for Niseko Town while utilizing the national system, such as improving the management environment for agriculture and strengthening the management structure.
　
In 2023, we will continue to strive to conserve prime farmland with the “National Emergency Farmland Restructuring Project” as the core, and promote initiatives for the “Green Food System Strategy” while promoting safe and secure “clean farming” that is in harmony with the environment. Agriculture", accumulation of farmland utilization, development of agricultural infrastructure, promotion of highly profitable farming, measures to foster farmers, promotion of 6th industrialization, etc., and promotion of initiatives to improve farmer incomes. I will continue. In addition, in order to carry out diversified and sustainable agriculture, along with the continuation of the yes-clean rice cultivation support system, measures for improving the soil such as subsidies for ripe compost and encouraging green manure crops, measures for regional branding of local products in collaboration with tourism, We will continue to work on supporting the sixth industrialization and the introduction of new cultivation techniques.

In 2022 degree (FY2022), there was the arrival of the seventh wave due to the highly infectious mutant new coronavirus, but with the start of projects such as nationwide travel support, tourists were gradually returning to Honmachi. In addition, the Niseko Resort Tourism Association has strengthened the acceptance of educational tours as part of its landing-type travel development project, and the number of overnight guests has recovered significantly, and the number of tourists from overseas is gradually recovering.

From 2021, the town has started efforts to create a sustainable tourist area in line with the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Together with Kyoto City and others, it was selected for the second consecutive year since the year before last in the "Top 100 Sustainable Tourist Destinations in the World" sponsored by Green Destinations. In 2022, it was awarded the "Best Tourism Village" award by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an "excellent example of a tourist destination in the world." In recognition of these series of initiatives, we were able to obtain the honor of being the only municipality to receive the "Commendation from the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency" last October.

As a “sustainable tourist destination” that is attracting worldwide attention, in order to increase its recognition both in Japan and overseas, and to continue to choose Niseko Town as a travel destination, in 2021 We will promote initiatives based on the formulated "Tourism Promotion Vision" and will promote the introduction of an "accommodation tax" as a financial resource to prepare the environment as a sustainable tourist destination. In addition, since last year, we will continue to propose the creation of a "digital nomad visa" that we have requested to the government.
　
With Kutchan Town and Rankoshi Town, the "Niseko Tourism Area", which is being worked on in a wide area, is a place to solve and practice many common issues such as the future image of transportation within the area, the promotion system for businesses in the area, and the utilization of hot springs. We will work together to ensure that
　
This fiscal year, we will continue to work with related local governments and private organizations such as the Niseko area and the foot of Mt. We will continue to work together.

In order to maintain a snow resort where tourists can feel safe, safety measures are important. We are doing this in cooperation with institutions. The town is actively promoting safety measures for winter mountains, such as supporting the development of human resources for avalanche research institutes. Together, we will strengthen our support for the avalanche research institute.
　
Regarding the redevelopment of the "Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza", which was designed last year, we are currently strongly requesting the government to establish a financial support system specializing in the redevelopment of the roadside station. increase. In the future, we will make comprehensive decisions on maintenance, etc., taking into account the securing of this financial resource and the situation of highway interchanges currently being considered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the local economy has been greatly impoverished, and the impact on commercial and industrial businesses has been particularly large. In light of these difficult circumstances, the town would like to take on the challenge of introducing the "specified regional development business cooperative system" institutionalized by the government in cooperation with immigration promotion measures. In addition, based on the "Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Ordinance" established in 2022, we will support the activities of Niseko Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is the core organization for the promotion of commerce and industry. We will continue to support small-scale entrepreneurs, such as holding business seminars and operating consultation desks for entrepreneurs, and aim to improve the vitality of local communities by cultivating diverse entrepreneurs.
　
This year, we will continue to actively promote activities to attract companies, and aim to expand them based on securing business entities that are lacking in the region and sustaining the economic cycle within the region.
In addition, we will continue to support the "Kids Card Business" run by the Kira Card Association, and strive to increase consumption within the region by increasing contact points between local stores, consumers, and tourism businesses. In addition, we will support efforts to enable early cooperation and operation with “e-travel tax payment” and the new sympathetic local currency “Niseko eumo” so that hometown tax payment will lead to regional economic revitalization.

Regarding consumer measures, the function of the "Yotei Regional Consumer Affairs Consultation Desk" set up in seven nearby towns and villages, including Niseko Town, will be more effective so that the townspeople will not suffer due to unfair solicitation. We will continue to expand our consultation activities and promote PR and enlightenment activities.

In order to create a society where all of the townspeople can live healthy and fulfilling lives, we aim to solve various issues such as health, medical care, welfare, child-rearing, and education. We will promote various initiatives from a strategic perspective.

We will work with the Board of Education to create an environment where children, who will lead the next generation, can play and learn with peace of mind, and where parents can lively raise their children.

In addition, taking advantage of the fact that Honmachi has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Committee for UNICEF as a "child-friendly town development practice municipality", we will continue to work on "children's participation in town development" based on Article 11 of the Basic Town Development Ordinance. We will continue to take into consideration the human rights of children so that each and every child can develop their potential and grow healthily.

In terms of improving the child-rearing environment, we will continue to make medical care free for all children up to the age of 18, and from this fiscal year, we will provide escort-type consultation support and economic support through the national childbirth and child-rearing support subsidy system. increase. In addition to holding three interviews from the time of notification of pregnancy, we will provide 50,000 yen for each time of pregnancy and childbirth, and provide economic support and create an environment where pregnant women and families with children can give birth and raise children with peace of mind. .

In addition, we will continue to implement health checkups for children, maternal and child health programs, and medical care for premature babies.
 

The 8th Shiribeshi Wide Area Union Nursing Care Insurance Business Plan, the 8th Elderly Health and Welfare Plan, Based on the 3rd Basic Plan for Persons with Disabilities and the 6th Welfare Plan for Disabled Persons, we are working to improve welfare.
Part of the operating expenses will be subsidized for the "elderly group home Kirari" operated by the Niseko Welfare Association and the "home care support office" that creates care plans (nursing care support plans). In addition, in order to improve the management soundness of the Niseko Fukushikai, we conducted an analysis survey last year with the aim of improving management, and this year we will cooperate with the Niseko Fukushikai to make improvements.

At the "Regional Comprehensive Support Center", in cooperation with related organizations, we will support elderly people who have problems and implement preventive projects to maintain their health. In addition, the “Initial Intensive Support Team for Dementia,” which is responsible for dealing with dementia patients, who are increasing year by year, provides comprehensive and concentrated initial support to people with dementia and their families under the guidance of dementia specialists. We will continue to support independent living.
Regarding the community activity support center "Niseko Life House", it is a facility that plays a central role in supporting people with disabilities who have difficulty in daytime activities. In order to ensure that the "Regional Life Support Project" proceeds smoothly, we will support part of the operating costs in cooperation with welfare-related organizations.

The Social Welfare Council is responsible for important activities as a welfare promotion organization, such as promoting community welfare, providing welfare services for the elderly, and establishing the Town Life Support Center, which is responsible for consultation services for dementia, which is on the rise. We will provide operational support for In addition, we will start work towards the formulation of the "Elderly Person Health and Welfare Plan" and the "Basic Plan for Persons with Disabilities/Disability Welfare Plan" that will start in 2024.

Regarding health promotion, based on the "Third Health Promotion Plan", we will mainly carry out projects related to diet, exercise, mental health, dental health and lifestyle-related diseases.

In the vaccination project, we will continue to vaccinate children, and for general inoculations, we will continue to implement tests such as rubella antibody tests. In addition, regarding cervical cancer vaccines, we continue to provide regular vaccinations (from the first year of junior high school to the first year of high school) and catch-up vaccinations (from the second year of high school to the age of 26). will do.

Regarding the health checkup business, in order to improve the health checkup rate, we will newly implement a business that gives Kira points to those who have undergone specific health checkups and various cancer screenings, and hold health classes and lectures. We will also continue the "echinococcal extermination measures" that are being implemented with the cooperation of the townspeople.

Based on medical cost estimates for all of Hokkaido, Hokkaido indicates the total amount and tax rate of national health insurance tax required in Niseko Town, and the town determines the "insurance tax rate" based on this. The tax rate for 2023 is 0.91% lower for income, 4,491 yen higher for per capita rate, and 3,415 yen lower for per capita rate. is increasing. In addition, about specific medical examination with National Health Insurance, we give kira point to person who had a medical examination and will try for medical examination person to increase even a little.

In order to compensate for the deficits of Kutchan Kosei Hospital in areas such as regional medical care, securing emergency medical care, and psychiatric care, we will support Kutchan Town, where the hospital is located, and the towns and villages at the foot of Mt. Yotei for operating expenses. Regarding renovation and maintenance, we will bear the maintenance cost in cooperation with related municipalities.
In addition, for Niseko Clinic, which plays an important role as a home doctor for the townspeople, part of the maintenance and inspection costs for the CT and X-ray equipment introduced in 2013 will be supported based on the agreement. I will

For Honmachi, where rich nature and landscapes support our lives and economic foundations, we believe that building a sustainable society in harmony with nature will increase the value of Niseko Town and lead to autonomous town development. I'm here.
As a resort area where agriculture and tourism are the main industries and where people can be proud to live, we aim to reduce the burden on the global environment, realize a decarbonized society, and respond to climate change, while at the same time building a recycling society with a local economy. We will strive to achieve both.
 

In order to maintain a life in harmony with nature while cherishing the beautiful natural environment of Niseko Town, we are working to realize "Environmental Creation City Niseko" based on the 2nd Environmental Basic Plan, Global Warming Countermeasures Action Plan, etc. to proceed.
Development plans for tourism facilities, etc. are planned in the future, starting with the area around the foot of Landscape Ordinance Annupuri in Niseko. We will properly operate systems such as the Groundwater Conservation Ordinance and strive to induce "orderly development."
　
Regarding waste disposal measures, the seven towns and villages at the foot of Mt. Yotei are working together to outsource the processing of combustible waste to solid fuel to a private business operator in Kutchan Town. Volume is expected to increase.
Since 2020, the town has been operating a "garbage separation app service" that can be used on smartphones, etc., in order to reduce the amount of garbage and thoroughly separate and discharge it. In addition to diligently disseminating information on the above, in recent years, the cost of waste disposal has increased, and the financial burden on the town is steadily increasing. To do.

Night soil is being treated at the Yotei Sanroku Environmental Sanitation Association Yotei Sanitation Center. Aiming to start operation, we are preparing various plans.
 

As an "Eco-Model City" and "SDGs future city," the town aims to reduce environmental impact while revitalizing the region, and has been promoting initiatives for sustainable living and community development into the future. In 2018, the “Global Covenant of Mayors/Japan” was signed, in 2020, the “Climate Emergency Declaration” was issued, and in 2021, “ We have enacted an ordinance for the proper promotion of renewable energy projects and an ordinance to promote the proper use of bicycles. This fiscal year, in order to promote environmental policies, we formulated the "Third Environmental Basic Plan," "Decarbonization Action Plan," and "Local Government Action Plan." We aim to enact the ordinance as soon as possible.
 

In 2018, it was selected by the government as an SDGs future city, and we are working on the NISEKO life / model district "Niseko Mirai", which is the core business. This fiscal year, we are planning to build a rental housing as a wooden collective housing with energy saving, high airtightness and high heat insulation, and we aim to complete it in March 2024. We will support efforts that will serve as a model for the realization of a healthy, comfortable and comfortable living environment that reduces utility costs, reduces the burden of snow removal and management.
In addition, we will promote diverse collaboration based on the environment, promote decarbonization and regional revitalization, and promote sustainable town development together with "Niseko Town Co., Ltd.".
 

Forests are important local resources that make up the natural environment and scenery that form the foundation of towns, and they bring “richness” to the lives of residents. In order to maintain the beautiful landscape and pass it on to the future, it is necessary to systematically develop it, add value to wood, circulate the economy, and work on forest development with the whole community.

This year, in line with the "Niseko Town Forest Vision", which shows the basic philosophy and direction of the town's forest development in 2021, we will promote concrete forest development to pass on to future generations. We will support the company that was launched, and strive to develop and train human resources and work on wood education so that the town's rich forest resources can be communicated to the townspeople and utilized. In addition, we will coordinate with Niseko Town forest maintenance plan and other measures, promote efforts to promote forestry so that the multifaceted functions of the forest can be sustained, and promote private forest maintenance and planting in town-owned forests. We will strive to manage cultivating projects, maintenance of work paths, etc.

While working closely with the board of education and related organizations, we will strive to create an educational environment where children can grow up in good health, and we will strive to support the development of diverse cultural and sports activities through the independent actions of everyone in the town. increase.
 

For education, we will support the projects undertaken by the Board of Education in line with the "Fifth Town Comprehensive Plan", "Niseko Town Education Outline", and "Town Education Promotion Basic Plan (late measures)".

In line with the 7th Medium-term Social Education Plan, which started in 2020, social education and social physical education will be promoted so that everyone can easily participate in cultural activities and enjoy sports. We will support your business. In addition, regarding the bid activities for the Hokkaido Sapporo Winter Olympics and Paralympics, we will cooperate based on requests from Hokkaido and the city of Sapporo, which has concluded MICE agreements.
 

The central warehouse group plays a major role as a place for community activities and exchanges, and we will continue to designate it as a facility that can be easily used by many people as a place where people can feel at home and as a base for regional development and telework in the town. We will help the administrator.

About local community center which we maintained by village restructuring, we carry out improvement of facilities of each local community center sequentially. In addition, we will work to make the Nishitomi District Townspeople Center a facility that can be used by as many people as possible, in addition to serving as a base for community activities and disaster prevention in the Nishitomi area.

Exchange projects by Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) have so far been carried out by 20 foreign staff, including those who are currently active. We are engaged in a wide range of international exchange activities, such as supporting the This year, with the support of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), we will assign five Coordinators for International Relations to promote understanding of multicultural coexistence and implement various international exchange projects.
 

We will continue to improve and strengthen disaster prevention measures and comprehensively improve the infrastructure for living and social infrastructure so that residents and visitors can live and spend their time with peace of mind.

In recent years, natural disasters have become more frequent Niseko Town have caused enormous damage all over the country. Based on this, we have been working to improve disaster prevention and mitigation functions, including the maintenance of disaster prevention equipment, while ensuring a crisis management system as a municipality. This year as well, we will work on creating a voluntary disaster prevention organization with the cooperation of residents' associations and carry out disaster prevention drills.
Regarding nuclear disaster prevention measures, based on the "Regional Disaster Prevention Plan/Nuclear Disaster Prevention Plan", we will continue to work closely with the national government, Hokkaido, and related local governments, and continue to provide information to the townspeople.

The government office building, which has a disaster prevention center function that began to be used two years ago, contributes to the safety and security of the townspeople as a base for disaster prevention measures, and is designed to be a friendly and easy-to-use government building. I will continue.
Regarding firefighting, we will strive to strengthen firefighting capabilities while working with the Mt.

Community FM "Radio Niseko" plays a major role as a means of providing information in the event of a disaster 2022 I was able to relocate the radio transmission equipment. This fiscal year, in order to more reliably provide information essential for securing the lives and property of townspeople, such as damage information in the event of a disaster, we started a survey to develop a backup transmission station at the government office building. (FY2024) We aim to complete it.
In the future, we will continue to support the operation of "Radio Niseko", which is loved by the townspeople as "not just listening, but radio!" I will continue.

So far, in order to alleviate the chronic housing shortage, efforts have been made to improve the living environment by subsidizing the construction costs of private rental housing, subsidizing energy-saving housing renovations, subsidizing earthquake-resistant renovations, and extending the life of public housing. rice field. This fiscal year, we will utilize the national subsidy system to implement a long-life composite improvement work for public housing central housing complex No. 5, and at the same time, support Niseko Mirai's collective housing development implemented by Niseko Machi Co., Ltd. To do.
 

Regarding town roads, many of the roads have been developed for a considerable number of years, so the deterioration of pavement and damage to protective fences are progressing. We will strive to maintain and manage while planning the utilization of. This year's development of town roads is "Implementation design for maintenance of sidewalk in front of town road office", "Town road Motomachi Yonsen-dori improvement paving work", and for bridges, following last year, "Bridge life extension inspection commissioned work" and "Ogawa bridge repair work along the Makkari River on the town road". Regarding snow removal during the winter, we will work to ensure the safety of winter roads with the cooperation of the townspeople.

In order to build a sustainable transportation system that supports the lives of local residents and tourism in the area, this year, we will formulate the "town area public transportation plan" as a master plan for public transportation policy. In addition to improving convenience for the elderly, commuting students and tourists, we will strive to maintain and secure public transportation, with an eye on the transportation network after the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen in Sapporo. In addition, we will continue to expand the business content of the support for "mutual assistance transportation" and the operation of the "Niseko Area Circuit Bus" that have been implemented since FY2019.

With the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen in Sapporo, measures to secure regional traffic between Oshamambe and Otaru on the Hakodate Main Line, which will be a parallel conventional line, will be discussed in March 2022 At the Shiribeshi block meeting, it was confirmed that it would be a "bus system". In the future, as soon as we know the content of the discussions between Hokkaido, JR Hokkaido, and the bus operating companies, we will make appropriate announcements and take care to improve convenience.
In addition, we will pay attention to how the planned routes and interchanges of the "Rankoshi-Kutchan" section of the Hokkaido Odan Expressway, which is currently being evaluated at the planning stage, will be decided, and we will request the government to provide information as soon as possible. increase.
 

Based on the "Town Empty House Countermeasure Plan" revised in 2022, it is expected that the number of vacant houses such as residences and villas of elderly households will increase in the future. We will continue to consider measures to strengthen preventive measures that do not emit

In the water supply business, we have been taking measures to update water pipeline facilities and aging facilities since 2020, and we will continue to proceed with the replacement of water pipes in urban areas. In addition, this fiscal year, we will carry out the implementation survey design for the renewal of water distribution pipes in the Miyata district and the expansion of new water volume and water distribution facilities in the urban district.

Regarding the sewerage business, including the agricultural settlement drainage business, in order to appropriately update and maintain the facilities, based on the "sewerage business stock management plan" and the "agricultural settlement drainage facility optimum development plan", the government subsidized project was utilized. We will proceed with the renewal work of sewerage facility machinery and electrical equipment.
In addition, the agricultural community drainage business, which has been conducted under the special account, will be integrated into the sewerage business from 2023 fiscal year (FY2023) to improve administrative efficiency. In addition, since it is mandatory to shift the system from special accounting to public enterprise accounting by the end of 2023 fiscal year (the end of FY2023), we will proceed with the procedures for the transition, including the revision of ordinances.

In addition to implementing clerical work based on various plans such as the "Town Comprehensive Plan" and "Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy," we aim to make effective use of administrative assets and resources owned by the town, and create an efficient and effective local government management base. We will strive to establish
 

The "5th Niseko Town Comprehensive Plan" and "Niseko as an Environmentally Creative City" formulated in 2012 will end in the 2023 fiscal year (FY2023), and the "6th Niseko Town Comprehensive Plan" will be newly formulated this year for the 12-year period from FY2024 to FY2035. As the highest level plan in the town administration, the plan is designed to clarify the philosophy of Niseko Town town development and the vision for the future, as well as to sustain "sound finances".

In order to expand the related population listed in the self-government creation comprehensive strategy, we will spread the use of the "Furusato juminhyo (certificate of residence)" more widely, and we will provide information so that the thoughts of donors can be connected to the region and develop into attractive town development. We will strive to communicate and interact.

In November last year, travelers can donate with their smartphones, etc., and as a return gift, they can receive the electronic currency "NISEKO eumo" that can be used at member stores in the town. Travel tax)" has started operation. This system is characterized by the ability to communicate with the community through the SNS function, and we will work to spread this system, expand the related population who sympathize with the town's efforts, and expand the hometown tax.
 

As a result of promoting various projects based on the "2nd Comprehensive Strategy for Autonomy Creation" formulated in 2020, the population is currently at the expected scale, but the future population We will promote measures for a declining society and strengthen efforts to circulate the local economy. In addition, we will expand the assignment of community revitalization cooperation teams as a leader in community development, support their settlement and entrepreneurship activities, and utilize the community supporter system.
Furthermore, in order to promote sustainable town development, we will promote various collaborations with “Niseko Machi” and new forest companies, and strive to expand the related population through corporate versions of hometown tax payments.

Based on the "comprehensive management plan for public facilities" and "individual facility plan", we will strive for planned maintenance and repair, integration and abolition of similar facilities, extension of life, review of facility management and consideration of abolition. In addition, we will consider the effective use of assets owned by the town, such as selling and lending, and strive to maintain the financial soundness of the town. In terms of facility development, we will focus on "life cycle cost" and "sustainability", and will promote the development of social infrastructure with an eye on the future, while maximizing the use of various government support systems, including the compactification and integration of facilities. increase.

With regard to wide-area administration, we will proceed with discussions to make the most of the functions of the Shiribeshi Wide-Area Union, which handles tax delinquency collection, national health insurance, long-term care insurance, and administrative appeal committees. In addition, in the Mt. Yotei Roku Fire Association and the Mt. Yotei Environmental Hygiene Association, the burden of common expenses, etc. is increasing, and we are working together with the constituent municipalities to discuss whether the increase in burden will be constant or not. I will continue.








 
This fiscal year, as in previous years, we will continue to invest in children, who will lead the next generation, and expand the environment in which it is easy to raise children. Circulation of , 2. Energy circulation, 3. Regional economy circulation ”, Niseko Town will be autonomous and sustainable for the future. I will try.