NEWS RELEASE:

24 March 2011

Council Agrees Proposed Plan For Porirua

Porirua City Council last night agreed the draft budget and programme of works for the city for the next year.

The proposed plan goes out for consultation on 29 March and people have until 29 April to have their voices heard.

At the same time we'll be consulting on the Regional Waste Management & Minimisation Plan, as well as Fees & Charges under the Resource Management Act and Building Acts.

Mayor Nick Leggett says the Draft Annual Plan continues to deliver the things that make living in Porirua easy and enjoyable.

"Things like extending our walking and cycling pathways, upgrading our parks and playgrounds, working with our communities through the Village Planning Programme and improving the quality of Porirua Harbour.

"We also propose fast tracking some major works. We need to ensure that the city's key infrastructure is maintained so we have brought forward $2.1 million in this plan to upgrade our pipe network for water supply and sewage disposal.

Extra money has been made available to develop the heart of Porirua's city centre and $150,000 has been included in the plan to fast track the crucial planning for implementation of the City Centre Revitalisation Plan.

"This project is about more than just shopping. It's about creating a city heart where a socially diverse mix of people enjoy coming because of the unique sense of place we will have created. It's also about business, employment and residential growth," says Mayor Leggett.

He says the debate about amalgamation of councils is a valid one.

"Porirua will be a leader in that debate - we are not afraid of it. We want the best for Porirua. As such, we propose spending $50,000 to explore ways of saving money through sharing services with other local authorities in the Wellington Region."

In order to do these extra things, the Council had to make some tough decisions.

"Some things have been deferred in this draft plan. If we want to keep rates down - we simply can't do everything we would like. The main changes include delaying for a year, the roof replacement at Cannons Creek Pool and work on the Titahi Bay Road sea wall. Remodelling work at the Moana Court pensioner flats is also being deferred."

The Council has made a real effort to create a budget that will keep rates as low as possible without compromising key services.

The average ratepayer will see a 5.7% increase in rates which for residential property owners equates to an extra $3.67 a week.

The Draft Annual Plan and the Summary will be available at the Council's administration building, in city libraries and on the website at www.pcc.govtnz.

Now is your time to tell us what you think. We want to hear whether you agree with our proposals. Do you think we've focused on the right priorities?

You have from 29 March to 29 April 2011 to make a submission. Hearings will take place from 11-13 May.

Please let us know your thoughts so we can take this into account before we finalise the 2011/12 budget.
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