Council seeks feedback on Long Term Plan

Christchurch City Council today launched a six week campaign to get public feedback on its Long Term Plan.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck says it is vital that residents take the opportunity to have a say over the future of the city during the public consultation period which ends at midday on Tuesday, 28 April.

“This is potentially Christchurch’s most important budget ever. The Long Term Plan consultation document includes a proposal to sell $750 million worth of our commercial assets to help cover a $1.2 billion funding shortfall and we need to know whether we have residents’ backing to take this step.

“The Plan also includes a major shift to cycling and public transport, as well as changes to the Central City and a lot of new and replacement community facilities. We want to know if what’s proposed is right for you, your family and your neighbourhood.

“We’ve tried to make it really easy to make a submission so you can do it online, or put pen to paper. We’re holding public meetings across the city over the coming weeks so residents can talk through the issues with elected members, and we’ll welcome tweets or discussion via comments on the Council’s Facebook page.”

The Council is also running “Mayor in the Chair” sessions where members of the public can sit in the Mayor’s chair in the Council Chamber and talk to Councillors about the Long Term Plan.

Deputy Mayor Buck says the “Mayor in the Chair” sessions will run from midday until 2pm on Wednesday, 25 March, Friday, 27 March and Wednesday, 1 April.

“It’ll be very relaxed, there’s no need to book, and councillors will be come along to hear what you have to say during your turn in the ‘hot seat.’ “

How to have your say on the Long Term Plan 2015-25

• go online at www.ccc.govt.nz/LTP to make a submission

• present a petition in support of a submission

• fill out submission forms available from Council libraries and service centres, or by phoning 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169

• speak to elected members at community meetings or during “Mayor in the Chair” sessions

• share your views on the Christchurch City Council Facebook page which will regularly introduce new LTP topics for discussion

• tweet with #CCCLTP

Comments made on Facebook, Twitter, at community meetings and during “Mayor in the Chair” will be included in the feedback presented to the Council, but they will not be treated as formal submissions.

Councillors will consider all the submissions and comments before they adopt the Plan in June 2015.

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