Tuesday 21 June 2016

Council agrees on Annual Plan changes

New plans for Southshore and South Brighton, more money for footpath repairs and cheaper swimming pool entry for some children were agreed today as Councillors respond to public feedback on the draft Annual Plan.

Council will work with Regenerate Christchurch to develop a regeneration plan for South Brighton, South Shore and the area north of Bridge Street, says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

"This decision captures the essence of what local government is all about - democratic participation and future-proofing infrastructure.

"This is a perfect opportunity to step up and take full advantage of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 as we have the ability to fast track changes in a way that takes the community with us."

Many submissions on the draft Annual Plan raised concerns about land damage in the area following the earthquakes, the need for flood mitigation, and damage to facilities such as the estuary walkway.

"As a Council we recognise the need for flood plain and estuary edge management in Southshore and South Brighton as the earthquakes have had a significant impact on this complex and dynamic environment."

Council staff are also investigating if parts of Cranford basin can be rezoned for residential purposes using the new legislation. The Chief Executive will report back on the next steps.

Councillors today adopted the Mayor's recommendations for changes to the Christchurch City Annual Plan 2016-17 and amended Long Term Plan 2015-25 ahead of confirming the adoption of both documents and setting rates for 2016/17 on Thursday. These recommendations would see a rates increase of 4.9 per cent for existing ratepayers, down from the 7.18 per cent forecast in the Long Term Plan.

The plan and amendment sets out all the projects and services the Council will provide over the next year and decade, how much they will cost and where the money will come from.

"It has been an incredibly collegial approach and I'm really grateful that although the recommendations are in my name it really does reflect the effort of everyone around the Council table, well-supported by staff," says Mayor Dalziel.

Other Mayor's recommendations adopted today include:
* A 25 per cent discount on child entry fees for Council pools for Community Services card holders
* $40,000 more for the Council's Swimsmart learn to swim programme
* $1.78m more for footpaths, particularly in parts of the city most affected by earthquakes
* $600,000 more to speed up street renewals
* A $428,000 grant to complete the community-led repair and landscaping of Mt Pleasant War Memorial Community Centre
* $250,000 for Akaroa Museum to complete the fit-out of exhibition spaces
* $20,000 for the proposed pedestrian bridge over the Lower Heathcote plus other support
* $70,000 for the SingularityU New Zealand Summit in November
* $1 million for a partnership with the Ministry of Health to support community well-being and resilience
* $50,000 towards the 2017 Asia Pacific Cycling Congress
* $400,000 towards setting up a City Foundation to promote philanthropic investment, subject to further advice
* Up to $500,000 towards Mona Vale gatehouse and a building at Halswell Quarry Park if they are suited to commercial use, for example as cafes
* Investigate intersection improvements near the entrance to Christchurch Adventure Park, which opens in December 2016.

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