Draft Annual Plan open soon

Please refer below for a press statement on the Draft Annual Plan consultation process and follow this link here to download documents and make a submission.

Council asks BIG question: what should we invest our $5 million in?

Council's draft Annual Plan 2014-15 will be open for public consultation from Wednesday 26 March to 4pm on Monday 28 April. This is your opportunity to have your say!

The proposed rate revenue increase is 4.7%. Council has worked hard on making operational efficiencies over the past two years to reduce what was proposed in the Long Term Plan three years ago by $1.14 million.

The community are invited to submit on any part of the plan, but Council is asking for feedback on two key points. The main one being the question: what should we invest our $5 million in?

"After moving $20 million to an external trust, Council retained some money within Council to spend on economic and community projects," said Ben Smit, Council's Deputy Chief Executive. "Council is interested in hearing about what economic and community development projects the community believe should be funded. And this is your opportunity to put forward a proposal."

Council has thought about the types of such projects that we believe would benefit our community. At this stage, these projects are suggestions only and robust investigation into the cost and further implications of these projects has not been undertaken because Council would like input from our community before this occurs. Here is your opportunity to put forward a proposal for your project.

The second issue that Council would specifically like feedback on is what level of funding it should provide towards the Putāruru Timber Museum.

"But anyone can submit on anything in the plan," said Tanya Mason, Council's Strategic Policy Planner.

Full plans and summary documents, including a submission form are available from Council offices and libraries and on Council's website. Proposals for the $5 million must be completed using Council's application template, also available online. For more information contact 0800 DRAFTS. ends words: 300