Media Release
2 May 2006
Submissions on the 10 Year Plan roll in
So far 120 submissions have been made to the draft Waitakere City Long Term Council Community Plan 2006 – 2016.
This 10 year plan incorporates the annual plan for 2006/2007 and is open for submissions until 19 May.
The draft 10 year Long Term Council Community Plan was developed with input from the community. Public meetings, focus
groups and specific targeted forums were held to assist in the development of community outcomes and levels of service
that the community can expect from the Council.
The main themes of submissions so far include the proposed change to a capital value rating system, the proposed rates
rise, and public transport issues.
The draft budget shows a Council controlled rates increase of 6.85% for the coming financial year with similar figures
indicated for the next 10 years. The major financial drivers are inflation, depreciation and interest expense.
As part of its consultation, the Council is asking the public for its views on a proposed change in rating methodology.
The proposal is to change from a system based on land value to capital value (and a move to a Uniform Annual Charge for
wastewater on residential properties, rather than having wastewater assessed against property values).
Other issues highlighted for consultation:
- Targeted rates – whether specific areas that are being developed with significant Council funding, and which will
benefit economically, should be rated separately. For example, levying businesses that are within an 800 metre radius of
the site for the proposed New Lynn transport project - double tracking of the Western Railway Line - to improve
transport in the city and to revitalise the town centre.
- Cycle ways – The Council is planning to build approximately a third of its cycleway network over the next ten years.
- Transport Strategy – The Council is seeking the public’s views on its draft strategy and associated programme of
around $380m over the next 10 years.
Copies of the plan and submission forms are available from the civic Centre, libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux and
on-line at www.waitakere.govt.nz.
After submissions close, the Council will conduct hearings and the final plan will be adopted late June.
ENDS