More than 1000 individuals, groups and organisations have provided feedback on Rotorua Lakes Council’s proposed 2018-28 Long-term Plan.

The long-term plan will set out the work and projects to be undertaken across the next 10 years and how that will be funded.

“It’s been great to see the level of interest and engagement during the consultation period. On behalf of all elected members, I’d like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to have their say to help guide our decision-making,” Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says.

“As elected members we put forward a draft plan that has a strong focus on investing in community facilities and infrastructure for both the present and future. The big question for the community has really been about whether they agree we need to invest in the future as well as the present.”

The 2018-28 Long-term Plan will continue the direction of the district’s 2030 vision and the refresh of the vision, The Rotorua Way, which established the next chapter in the district’s progress, focussing on opportunities to build on Rotorua’s strengths.

Consultation ran from 5 April to last Friday (13 May) with a variety of ways for people to give feedback/make submissions including online, via email, via post, quick forms and a variety of hui/meetings, forums and workshops. Information stalls were also held throughout the consultation period at events, local markets and at project-specific sites.

All feedback will now be collated and reported back to elected members to help guide decision-making to finalise the Long-term Plan.

“There was a very thorough process involved in development of the draft plan with a big emphasis on investing in community facilities and infrastructure,” Mayor Chadwick says.

“We had some really good conversations with people from across the district during consultation, including people from our lakes and rural areas, young people, business people, iwi and others.”

The proposed LTP includes a focus on improving existing facilities such as the Aquatic Centre, Rotorua Museum and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and investing in infrastructure projects such as wastewater schemes and stormwater and water supply network improvements. Proposals also include three key “big moves”, projects to improve Rotorua’s lakefront, Kuirau Park and forest access and facilities, and a variety of community and neighbourhood enhancement projects throughout the district.

Feedback received as at midday Friday 13 April (all figures approximate):

· Feedback from more than 450 individuals and organisations via Let’s Talk, quick (sticker) forms, email and one video submission re skate park;

· Feedback from 272 young people via 18 youth workshops and forums (mostly at schools);

· 340 people gave verbal feedback (which was recorded) to elected members at 15 meetings/hui/feedback sessions;

· More than 1000 people visited info stands at events, markets and ‘big moves’ project sites to chat, take information and ask questions.

What happens now?

· All feedback – including verbal feedback which was recorded and feedback and submissions received via email, quick form and online – now needs to be collated and that will go to elected members for deliberations, starting 16 May.

· Elected members will make final decisions following deliberations and the final plan will be adopted at the end of June (26 June Full Council meeting).

· The 2018/19 financial year, which begins 1 July 2018, will be Year 1 of the 10-year Long-term Plan.

[ENDS]

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