Whangarei District Council has adopted its draft Annual Plan and submissions are now open.
Updated:
15/03/2011 9:02 a.m.
The plan outlines the Council work scheduled for the 2011-2012 financial year, projected expenditure and income, and the proposed rates for the year. The plan also includes a Statement of Proposal for changes to some fees and charges.
Highlights of the next year’s programme include further work on the second harbour crossing and work to reduce wastewater spills during wet weather.
Whangarei District Council Group Manager Support Services Alan Adcock said everyone is encouraged to look at the draft Plan closely and decide whether they agree or disagree with the approach Council is taking, and to make a submission on the plan.
Mr Adcock said there were a number of things people could do to ensure their submissions were as effective as possible.
“The submission needs to be about something Council is involved with or has control over – so make sure you aren’t asking us to do something that might be the responsibility of a government department or another Council.
Call us and double check if you are not sure, because there are some overlapping areas.
“Tell us what your topic is, and where it is referred to in the plan. Is it about parks, or sewage, pensioner housing or some other topic in the plan?” he said.
“If the topic you are raising is in the plan, be very clear about whether you support it or oppose it. If it is not in the plan, tell us what your topic is and what you want Council to decide or to do. If it will require extra money, tell us how we should fund it or what you think should be dropped to make space for it.
“Also describe how it would benefit the wider community. These factors help the councillors make informed decisions.”
Mr Adcock said participating in the Annual Plan process was an important opportunity for people to take part in decision making.
“This is the best opportunity people have to take their issues straight to Council to be considered as part of the big picture. That is the upside of democracy. The other side of democracy is that every decision pleases some and displeases others.”
Members of the public will be able to make submissions on the plan between 15 March 2011 and 15 April 2011. Hearings will be held on 9 and 10 May and people who wish to may speak to their submissions in front of the full Council.
Following deliberations, the Annual Plan is due to be adopted by Council on 22 June.