24 February 2016
Wellington Regional Council commits to major investment programme
The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) today reaffirmed its commitment to significant investments in the region
while also reducing the planned rates increase for 2016/17. Public transport fares are also proposed not to be increased
for 2016/17. The Council now wants to hear the public’s views.
The GWRC is committed to big investments in new trains and bus services, enhanced flood protection (particularly in the
Hutt Valley) and water supply resilience. The Council has limited rates increases for underlying business as usual
activities to 1.9 percent, and reduced the overall increase to fund this and the investments to 7.9 percent from the
original 10.8 percent.
This increase equates to 60 cents a week or $30.99 per annum for the average residential household in the Wellington
region.
“We have big investments underway in the Wellington region - for example $400m in new trains, and $150m on flood
protection in the Hutt Valley,” GWRC Chair Chris Laidlaw said.
“We’ve previously consulted with the community over these investments, and the public has consistently supported these
initiatives. The investments are critical for the future economic development and long term sustainability of the
region,” he said.
“I encourage people to look at the 10 Year Plan 2015-25 and the proposed changes. The Plan is about building a strong
future for the region, so regardless of where you live in the region you have a stake in what the Plan is trying to
achieve,” Mr Laidlaw said.
A document that sets out changes to the Plan will be available from 16 March in council offices, libraries and railway
stations across the Wellington region. More information on the submission process will be available at
www.gw.govt.nz/have-your-say
Background on the 10 Year Plan 2015-25
The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) adopted its 10 Year Plan 2015-25 in June 2015. The Plan describes GWRC’s
activities and provides a long term direction for decisions, programmes and projects. It contains four priorities that
are the focus of GWRC’s work.
- Investing in regional infrastructure
- Growing public transport patronage and people walking and cycling
- Making sure we can cope in emergencies
- Keeping our environment clean
Each year GWRC reviews the work priorities and activities set out in the Plan and identifies adjustments that need to be
made based on any changes in the environment in which the regional Council works. As a result of this review, GWRC is
proposing several minor changes to year two of the Plan.
GWRC is required to consult with the community on any significant or material changes to the Plan, and the public now
has an opportunity to have a say on these changes. Consultation is limited to the identified changes; other matters not
subject to change were consulted on and decided in the 10 Year Plan process, and are outside of the current consultation
process.
Following the consultation process a final Annual Plan 2016/17 will be prepared and will be adopted before July 2016.
The 10 Year Plan 2015-25 will remain a current document, subject to annual review, through to 2025.
ENDS