Taranaki Regional Council media release
13 March 2009
For immediate release

Regional 10-Year Plan Going Out For Consultation

The Taranaki Regional Council has charted a largely “business as usual” course in its new 10-year plan, which goes out for public consultation on Monday (16 March).

But it also flags new issues to deal with in the Council’s public transport and flood protection operations.

Across the region, the Council is proposing a total rates rise of less than $10 for the average residential ratepayer for next year. New Plymouth ratepayers are also being asked if they support proposed improvements to urban bus services, which would add another $2 to $4 to their annual rates bill.

The Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says the proposed general rates rise next year is 2.8%. “It’s below the inflation rate, as are all the general rates increases we are projecting over the next 10 years.”

He says the draft 10-year plan signals the Council’s intention to continue its well-established, accepted and wide-ranging work in environmental management and other fields, with some adjustment in two areas:

• Transport: The Council proposing to increase the number, coverage and frequency of New Plymouth bus services. This would include more routes, better timetabling and an orbiter service around schools. “We’re specifically seeking feedback on whether people think this is worth a small additional rates increase,” says Mr MacLeod.

• Waiwhakaiho River flood control: The draft plan makes provision for upgrading flood protection in the Waiwhakaiho River Valley, where major retail developments are continuing. The Council is investigating the best ways to improve its existing flood protection scheme.

A summary of the draft Long-Term Council Community Plan will be circulated with community newspapers on 18 and 19 March. The full document will be available from all Council offices and public libraries throughout the region from Monday 16 March, and will be available on the Taranaki Regional Council website, www.trc.govt.nz.

The full document includes a form and instructions for making submissions. They can also be made online at www.trc.govt.nz from Monday. The consultation period ends on 17 April.

ENDS

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