Horizons Regional Council

Friday 30 March, 2012

Residents Encouraged To Have Their Say

What would you like your region to look like in 10 years time and how do you think we should get there? These are the questions being asked of Manawatu-Wanganui residents as Horizons Regional Council sets its direction for the next 10 years.

Horizons’ draft Long-term Plan will be available to the public from Tuesday April 3 and chairman Bruce Gordon is encouraging residents to have their say.

“The long-term plan is the roadmap for our region. It will guide the way we manage our land, air and water resources over the next 10 years and determine how our communities are connected through transport systems and networks,” he said.

“From enhanced accessibility and usability of our rivers and lakes to pest control and improved public transport, we want to know our community’s aspirations to ensure these are reflected in our final plan.”

Some of the key issues identified in the plan include adding the Turitea Science Campus area to the Lower Manawatu City Reach flood protection scheme, funding the Green RIG entirely through sponsorship rather than rates, and reinstating the Taihape to Wanganui and Palmerston North fortnightly bus service.

It also offers an opportunity for people to comment on whether they feel Horizons has the right number of elected members, the right number of constituencies and whether current representation meets community needs.

Residents are being encouraged to attend one of a series of community meetings held throughout the April submission period where they can find out more about the plan, read through a copy and ask questions of their councillors.

These meetings will also provide an opportunity to find out more about the draft Regional Land Transport Programme which is out for consultation alongside the draft long-term plan.

This programme, developed by Horizons in partnership with the region’s territorial authorities and the New Zealand Transport Agency, prioritises the region’s key transport projects and activities to be put forward for funding from Central Government.

Copies of the full draft long-term plan, summary document and draft regional land transport programme will be available from Horizons Regional Council offices, online at www.horizons.govt.nz or by calling Horizons on toll free number 0508 800 800.

Submissions close 5pm 4 May and may be made via email to submissions@horizons.govt.nz , by mail to Freepost 217922, Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442, online via the Horizons website or by completing and returning a submission form found at the back of the summary document.

----------------------------------------------------

Community meeting dates and times:

• Manawatu, 5.30pm Wednesday 11 April,
Manawatu District Council Chambers, 135 Manchester Street, Feilding
• Ruapehu, 7.30pm Thursday 12 April,
Ruapehu District Council Chambers, 59-63 Huia Street, Taumarunui
• Tararua, 1.00pm Monday 16 April,
Tararua District Council Chambers, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke
• Palmerston North, 6.30pm Tuesday 17 April,
Te Manawa, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North
• Wanganui, 6.30pm Wednesday 18 April,
Wanganui District Council Chambers, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
• Rangitikei, 5.00pm Thursday 19 April,
Friendship Club Hall, 7 Morris Street, Marton
• Horowhenua-Kairanga, 6.30pm Tuesday 24 April,
Horowhenua District Council Chambers, 126-148 Oxford Street, Levin

ENDS

© Scoop Media