More Than 1100 Submissions on 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan

Dunedin (Wednesday, 16 April 2014) – Residents have been keen to have their say on the Dunedin City Council’s 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan.

Submissions on the DCC’s biggest consultation process for the year closed at 5pm yesterday, with about 1125 submissions received. DCC Corporate Planner Jane Nevill says this number is subject to final confirmation, such as ensuring there are no duplicate submissions. This figure does not include any late submissions and if any are received, the Council will decide next month whether to accept these.

The DCC received 250 submissions between 5pm on Friday and 5pm on Monday and 390 yesterday. More than 80% of people chose to make a submission using an online form.

The most popular submission topics include the sequencing of Portobello Road/Harington Point Road improvements, whether the DCC should have a formal ethical investment policy for its Waipori Fund and funding incentives to help owners of heritage buildings convert their buildings for a new use.

All three of these issues were specifically mentioned on the submission form.

Last year’s Draft Annual Plan attracted 262 submissions. In 2012/13, there were 1024 submissions.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says the larger number of submissions received this year reflects the community’s interest in particular issues, such as heritage incentives.

“We do appreciate the time and effort taken by people to express their views and these will be considered as part of the Annual Plan deliberations.”

People who have indicated they want to speak to their submission will be heard when the DCC Annual Plan hearings are held from 7 May to 9 May. Deliberations and decision-making will occur from 14 May to 16 May.

The 2014/15 Annual Plan will be adopted by the Council on 23 June.

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