7 April 2005

Have Your Say on the Auckland region’s future

The Auckland Regional Council is delivering Region Wide, the council’s regular newsletter, to letterboxes throughout the region from today. The latest issue summarises this year’s Draft Annual Plan.

Included are proposals that will affect our region into the future, such as the development of the regional transport system, implementation of the regional growth strategy and the creation of a regional parkland purchase fund.

Residents and ratepayers can have their say on these proposals, and other issues regarding Auckland’s future, by completing our on-line survey, filling out the questionnaire in Region Wide, or making a formal submission.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says that people should let the ARC know their views on what is proposed, and if they wish, make a formal submission by 6 May.

“Residents and ratepayers look to the ARC to wisely manage many of those things that affect our quality of life.” “This year the ARC has worked hard to make efficiencies with its own administration costs, without impacting on the quality of public service provided by the council.”

“Councillors and staff have spent many hours reviewing work programmes and budgets, cutting costs where possible and refocusing the council on providing the best value for money.”

“This year the ARC faces high public expectations to improve public transport, manage regional growth and ensure the continued development of our regional parks network.”

“I urge everyone to take time to read the Draft Annual Plan and to have their say.”

“The greater the public input, the more inclusive and meaningful our decisions will be.”

In addition to the formal submission and hearing process, the ARC is running an on-line questionnaire to make it easier for people to have their say and comment on what their regional rates help pay for.

The Draft Annual Plan is open for public consultation until Friday 6 May.

A copy of the Plan and additional information about how to comment is available by: Going online: www.arc.govt.nz Emailing: info@arc.govt.nz Phoning (09) 366 2000 (or 0800 80 60 40 outside the toll-free area) Faxing (09) 366 2155; or Asking at your local library.

ENDS

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