24 June 2014

Annual Plan adopted

Waikato District Council today formally adopted its Annual Plan. With a strong focus on community projects and a minimal rate increase, it was a good outcome for local communities.

The Annual Plan sets out what the Council hopes to achieve for the Waikato district in 2014/2015. It outlines key projects and includes a 1.89 per cent general rate increase.

Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson said the Council had agreed on a robust plan which met the needs of the community.

“We’ve taken a good look across all areas of the business and have worked hard to keep the general rate increase to 1.89 per cent while still maintaining the level of service our community expects.”

Key decisions made by the Council include the adoption of a bi-lingual signage policy for new instruction and information signs.

Over $40,000 of additional grants and donations, going to:
• Glen Afton/Pukemiro Society Incorporated
• Matangi Community Committee
• Puketaha School
• Raglan Community Radio
• Raglan Mountain Bike Club
• Tamahere Reserve restoration planting
• Taupiri Rugby Club
• Te Kauwhata cenotaph
• Tuakau Centennial Park lights
• Tuakau Museum
• Turangawaewae Rugby League Sports and Cultural Club
• Woodlands.

Funding for community projects, which include:
• New footpaths to address health and safety concerns
• Toilet upgrades for Patterson Park, Ngaruawahia and Te Kauwhata towns
• Prioritisation work for toilets
• Facilities at the Onewhero Domain
• Information boards for Taupiri
• Emergency road works
• Training for rural fire brigades.

Mayor Sanson said he was really heartened by the level of community engagement during the Annual Plan process.

“This year we held hearings in three different locations - Tuakau, Raglan and Ngaruawahia, making it easier for people to come and discuss their submissions with Council.

“We heard 54 submissions in person and received 755 submissions in total, which might seem like a lot, but Council wasmotivated by this high response rate as it demonstrates our residents want to work with us to make the Waikato district an even better place to invest, live and visit.

“It also showed the 12 public meetings Council held during the Annual Plan consultation phase really engaged our communities.

“We would like to thank all the submitters for taking the time to share their views and especially those who shared these with us in person,” he said.

The Annual Plan will be available from July in all Council offices and libraries and online at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz.

ENDS

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