26 March, 2014

Draft Annual Plan now available online

Horizons Regional Council’s draft Annual Plan is now available online for public consultation and chairman Bruce Gordon is encouraging people to have their say through the submissions process.

The draft Annual Plan outlines the work Horizons will do in the year ahead and what it will cost.

Following Council meetings held this month rates are expected to increase 4.496 per cent. This figure is just an average and may change depending on where people live in the Region.

“The Plan is essentially business as usual however this year does see Council propose amendments to the 2012-22 Long-term Plan in order to meet changing circumstances,” says Mr Gordon.

“These amendments include a 3 year funding option for ANZAC Parade/Kowhai Park stopbank upgrades in Wanganui, adopting a dangerous dams policy for the Region and Totara Reserve camping fees reporting.

“So if the public have any feedback about these amendments, or other sections of the draft Annual Plan, then the submissions process is their opportunity to have a say,” says Mr Gordon.

Submissions officially open on 1 April however copies of the draft Annual Plan summary document will be making its way into letterboxes throughout the Region this week. The full document is available online at www.horizons.govt.nz now and hard copies will be at Horizons service centres from 1 April.

Submissions close Friday 2 May 2014 at 5pm. Submissions can be made by:
• Filling out a submission form on the back of the summary;
• Posting a letter to Freepost 217922, Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442;
• Going to www.horizons.govt.nz and submitting online; or
• Emailing your submission to submissions@horizons.govt.nz.

Submission hearings will be held on 19-22 May and may be held at locations throughout the Region based on demand.

ENDS

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