News Release
Wednesday 4 April 2012

Posties Delivering 30,000 Council Plan Summaries To Rotorua Households

ROTORUA 04.04.12: Rotorua posties will be busy next week delivering 30,000 twelve page summaries of Rotorua District Council’s newly released draft long-term plan to households across the district.

The long-term plan summaries, with a freepost feedback form included, are being distributed immediately after Easter (starting Tuesday 10 April) to every letterbox, private post box and rural delivery district-wide. Copies are also being mailed to more than 4000 out-of-town and overseas based properties owners.

The plan covers the ten year period from 2012 to 2022 and sets out the council’s future direction, proposed activities and projects, what they will all cost, how they will be funded and how council performance will be measured.

The distribution is part of a comprehensive community consultation programme on the council’s plans for the next decade and is aimed at encouraging residents to give their feedback to the mayor and councillors before the plan is finalised.

Mayor Kevin Winters says the long-term plan is the most important strategic document the council prepares and he is encouraging residents to have their say about what they support in the draft or where they would like to see changes.

“Nothing is set in concrete yet. At this stage it’s only a comprehensive draft of what we are proposing to do over the next ten years and what we want to achieve for our community. But before we finalise the details we need to hear the views of Rotorua people.

“This is your chance to participate in a vital planning process for your district’s future and to exercise the valuable democratic right you have as citizens of our district,” said Mr Winters. “This is what democracy is all about and it’s your chance to have a say.”

Signalled in the draft long-term plan is a change to the current rating system, a strong focus on economic growth, maintaining low rates increase levels, and keeping debt well under policy limits.

The plan also proposes a continuation of partnerships to improve lakes water quality, a number of enhancements aimed at revitalising the CBD, a $10 million reduction in airport infrastructure debt and a programme of operational efficiencies to save $10 million.

“In addition to the opportunity of sending in your views on the plan’s proposals we are also giving everyone the option of attending a council hearing to speak directly to my council colleagues and me about your submission,” said Mr Winters. “We’re keen to listen to what you think about our proposals as part of our decision making process for the new long-term plan.

Completed feedback forms need to be returned to the council by 3 May. Submissions can also be made online directly from the council website www.rdc.govt.nz . The full 350 page draft long-term plan document can also be viewed on the website and printed copies can be inspected at the District Library, City Focus and the Civic Centre.

Mr Winters said the council was also holding two public meetings to explain the draft long-term plan and to help people prepare their submissions, and any interested residents were welcome to attend. The meetings are being held at the council’s Civic Centre on Tuesday 17 April at 2pm and 5.30pm.

ENDS

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