Marlborough District Council received nearly 300 submissions on its 2018-28 Long Term Plan Consultation Document, ‘Investing in Marlborough’.

The Plan addresses Marlborough’s key priorities and sets out the Council’s proposed major projects and services over the next 10 years, and the impact on rates and debt levels.

Mayor John Leggett has welcomed the public input.

“I’m pleased that so many people and groups have taken the time to tell us what they think. Marlburians are a passionate bunch - over 100 people want to speak to us in person at hearings from 5 to 7 June.”

“The submissions cover a range of subjects. It’s pleasing to see plenty of support for the new projects we put up in the consultation document,” the Mayor says.

“We need the public’s input to bring new projects or initiatives to our attention and to help us fine tune our plans.”

“Some submitters have requested funding for their own proposals, so the Council will have to carefully weigh up where its priorities lie. It’s never an easy task - we have to make hard choices.”

“As always we have to balance the aspirations of our community with the available funding.”

“No doubt there will be a robust discussion around the Council table at our deliberations on 11 June.”

The draft ten-year budget proposes average annual rate increases of between 2.30% and 5.33%. The increase in total rates for the 2018-19 year is 4.81%. Council reviews its priorities annually before setting rates - in previous years this has resulted in rates increases lower than those forecast in the Long Term Plan.

To view the Consultation Document, see here

ENDS

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