Submissions Still Open
Tuesday, 17 April 2007, 9:40 am
Press Release: Waitakere City
April 17, 2007

Media Release (For Immediate Release)

Submissions Still Open

Waitakere City Council is gearing for a rush of submissions on its draft Annual Plan (Budget).

The draft Annual Plan sets projects and budgets for the next financial year and is part of the Long Term Council Community Plan (2006-2016), which outlines priorities for the next 10 years.

Public submissions on the draft Plan close on April 27.

So far just a few dozen have been received, but staff expect the usual surge in the last few days before the deadline.

One of the reasons for the relatively low numbers so far is that there is nothing particularly controversial in the budgets, says Councillor Janet Clews, chairman of the Annual Plan and Long Term Council Special Committee.

“The proposed rates increase (an average of 6.69%) is lower than was anticipated and there are no major issues that we have highlighted for special consultation,” she says.

“This budget is very much business-as- usual, but we still want to hear from our community about where they see the priority areas for funding.”
The draft budget shows the bulk of the rates money collected by Waitakere City Council (82%) being spent on what Councillor Clews 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)

After the close of submissions, 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 all City libraries, community centres and service centres.

A special edition of the Council’s newsletter, delivered to most homes and businesses also contains a submission form.

ENDS

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