March 27, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

Submissions Open On Draft Annual Plan

Public submissions are now open on Waitakere City’s draft Annual Plan for 2007/2008.

The draft Annual Plan sets projects and budgets for the next financial year and is part of the Long Term Council Community plan (2006-20016), which outlines priorities for the next 10 years.

The draft budget for the next financial year shows the bulk of the rates money collected by Waitakere City Council (82%) being spent on what Mayor Bob Harvey describes as “the basics” – things like stormwater, wastewater, parks, leisure facilities, libraries, and roading.

Some features of the draft Annual Plan include:
 The next stage of work at Douglas Track & Field in Henderson (new lights & grandstand) - $2.058 million.
 Green Bay Community House upgrade ($180,000)
 $54.2 million for new roads and footpaths
 Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre and Library - planning for redevelopment ($100,000). Physical work will start in 2008-2009.
 Lopdell House art gallery redevelopment ($1.029 million)
 Ranui Library extension ($617,000)
 Ongoing support for Sport Waitakere ($105,000)
The draft Annual Plan shows an indicative rates rise of 6.69%, which is lower than an earlier Long Term Council Community Plan prediction of 7.87%.

This will add about $2 week to the average residential property with a land value of $150,000.

The draft Annual Plan is open for public submissions until April 27. After that, hearings will be conducted and the final Annual Plan adopted in June.

Submissions can be made on-line at www.waitakere.govt.nz and submission forms are also available at city libraries, community centres and service centres.
A special edition of the Council’s newsletter, to be delivered to homes and businesses in early April, will also contain more information and a submission form.

ENDS

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