21 June 2002

COMMUNITY WELLBEING A FOCUS IN ANNUAL PLAN

Safe City initiatives and support for community-based activities were big winners in Hutt City's Annual Plan 2002/03.

"While the focus will initially be on 'big ticket' items in the Annual Plan, Council has heeded concerns raised during the consultation process about residents' safety and the need for more funding of community-based initiatives' said Mayor Terris.

"The city was recently traumatised by two particularly shocking crimes that occurred within days of each other. Council has responded to community calls for action."

Funding already earmarked for spending in the next financial year included a number of initiatives that come under the Safer City Strategy, a collaborative exercise between Council, the Police and central government agencies.

There is an additional $70,000 to install and monitor Closed Circuit Television cameras (CCTV), which will be placed in central city areas identified by a recent central city safety audit as being high risk.

Council voted additional money for the following projects:
* $150,000 to upgrade residential street lighting
* $50,000 for Safer City environmental improvements
* $30,000 to implement security patrols in high risk areas
* $30,000 for a community worker at Taita Community hall
* $10,000 for the Oasis Youth Centre in Wainuiomata
* $10,000 for Women's Refuge
* $20,000 to facilitate Neighbourhood Watch
* $10,000 towards the establishment of a Hutt City Council of Social Services

"These projects were requested by community groups during the consultation process, some were initiatives brought to Council by councillors, and others were put before Council by council officers."

"The important thing is that the community came to Council with concerns about perceptions of safety in our city, we have listened and responded to those concerns," said Mayor Terris.

ENDS

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