Publication: nc23042012

Wellington and Porirua city councils are asking residents to make submissions on their respective long-term plans which determine the direction the they will head during the next 10 years.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown says her council’s plan focuses on investing in Wellington’s future.

“We are mindful of the current economic climate and significant immediate financial pressures, such as the need to fund earthquake-strengthening work. But it is also important to invest in implementing the long-term strategic vision for the city set out in our Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital document.

The plan includes a proposed average rates increase of 4.1%. For residential ratepayers the average increase is 3.7%. 

Residents associations in the northern suburbs have banded together to call a public meeting to give residents a chance to ask questions of councillors and make comments on the council's proposals. The meeting will take place on Thursday May 3 at the Johnsonville Community Centre Hall starting at 7.30pm. All residents are invited.

The draft long-term plan, a summary of the plan and submission forms are available from the council’s website or from the City Service Centre, 101 Wakefield St, or from council libraries or by phoning 499 4444. Submissions can be e-mailed to longtermplan@wcc.govt.nz before 5pm on Friday May 18.

Meanwhile, Porirua mayor Nick Leggett says his council has had to make some tough calls.

“For the first three years of the plan, we have set a 3.2% ‘envelope’ for rate increases, recognising that many residents are feeling the effects of the depressed economy. Likewise, costs for the council have gone up too. So this is a tough budget. Without hard decisions, the community could have faced an extremely high rates increase. ”

He says Porirua's draft plan is out for consultation. Submissions close on May 3, with oral hearings taking place between May 16 and 18. Councillors will make final decisions by the end of June.