Community Plan Delivers On Promises

The Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) underlines the Hutt City Council’s commitment to keep rates down, reduce debt and invest more in infrastructure, says Mayor David Ogden.

The LTCCP for the years 2006-2016 was adopted by councillors at a meeting last night following a comprehensive period of public consultation.

“This council is keeping its promise to ratepayers to put the city’s finances in order but not at the expense of investing in key projects or cutting council services,” said Mayor Ogden.

“Good news for ratepayers is that the average rate rise for 2006/2007 is 3 percent – among the lowest in the country – and rises will continue to be below the rate of inflation each year after that to 2016.

“It’s a remarkable achievement that council can offer ratepayers a rates reduction in real terms when you consider central government has imposed extra responsibilities and compliance costs on us.

Other highlights of the LTCCP include:

• Debt will be reduced from $71 million in 2006 to $26 million in 2016, saving millions in interest repayments in the process.
•
• Provision of an additional $25 million for major infrastructure, such as stormwater protection and roads, in the next ten years.
•
• Funding of $300,000 to establish a gym at Naenae Pool.
•
• Stage 3 of flood protection work on Wainuiomata’s Black Creek brought forward from 2015/16 to 2010/11.
•
• $80,000 for an inventory of heritage buildings, plus an extra $10,000 per annum to fund heritage projects.
•
• Funding to appoint an urban designer to oversee urban design in the city.
•
• The project to develop a ‘Sports House’ on Hutt Park given the green light.
•
• $50,000 budgeted for investigative work on the proposed cross-valley link.
•

“The Council will also continue to work closely with the Greater Wellington Regional Council to clean up pollution and begin flood protection work on Waiwhetu stream.

“I want to thank councillors for having the vision and foresight to put together a first-class LTCCP that will deliver benefits to Hutt City residents for the next 10 years and beyond.

“My special thanks also to members of the community who took the time to make a submission and have their say about the future direction of our city.

“Together we can make Hutt City an even better place to live, work and play. This LTCCP provides the blueprint to achieve that,” concludes Mayor Ogden.

ENDS

© Scoop Media