Record Number Of Submisions On PCC Draft Annual Plan

New public engagement methods used by the Council during the Draft Annual Plan consultation have helped double the number of submissions received on previous years.

The Council will meet next week, 1 June, to consider the 157 submissions and then make their decision on the final 2011/12 Annual Plan which is scheduled for adoption on 29 June 2011.

Strategy and Planning General Manager Moira Lawler says the quantity and quality of submissions was high and this was partly due to the new ways in which the Council has engaged with the city's communities.

"Especially popular was Mayor Nick Leggett's YouTube video where he discussed key consultation issues in short, sharp sound bites that were well delivered and easy to follow. This got over 400 hits in four weeks.

"We also worked closely with councillors who attended various community events to help pass on information about the draft annual plan and how their communities could be heard."

Submitters showed strong support for village planning, particularly in Cannons Creek, infrastructure renewal for water services, graffiti management and city centre revitalisation.

The main change requests were for improved flood control in Takapuwahia, sewage reticulation for Pauatahanui village, sealing of Harris Road and expansion of Cannons Creek Library to provide for more community activities. Other feedback included a range of views on car parking facilities in the CBD, requests for better cycling, walkway and park amenities, and a range of road safety improvements.

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