Tuesday 26 February 2013

Council adopts draft Three Year Plan for consultation

A cycling network, a new walkway in Lyttelton Harbour and funding for suburban masterplan projects are among the proposals in the draft Christchurch City Three Year Plan.

Councillors met today to debate project proposals and financial information. The next step is to release the draft Christchurch City Three Year Plan for public consultation from 16 March to 19 April.

“These projects are affordable and very important as we move towards making this city stronger and more sustainable and a better place to live,” says Mayor Bob Parker.

Councillors also agreed to request a report on the process and steps required to integrate the New Brighton suburban masterplan and waterpark concepts.

“There’s been an extraordinary outpouring of support for this idea, which has really captured the imagination of people in the east and is one of best ideas I’ve seen in a while. We need to sit down and examine the pros and cons, without losing the excitement or momentum.”

The draft plan proposes a total rates increase of 6.67 per cent made up of:
• 4.74 per cent - to cover standard services and projects
• 1.93 per cent - a Special Earthquake Charge to fund lost income, for example from parking meters and additional earthquake-related costs.

“We’ve thought very carefully about what Christchurch can afford and tried to keep rates rises as low as possible. This increase will see the average household’s rates go up by about $2 a week.”

Christchurch’s rates remain well below average for a metropolitan city in New Zealand. Other Councils increased rates by about five percent during their planning processes last year.

Public information sessions and open days will be held in different locations around Christchurch so people can find out more about these plans.

A summary document will be distributed to every household in Christchurch during the first week of consultation from 16 March. The full draft plan will be made available via the Council’s website, libraries and service centres at this time. Between March 16 and April 19, people can then make a submission by emailing ccc-plan@ccc.govt.nz, online at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay or using the freepost form in their summary booklet.

“I encourage residents to take the time to make a submission to the plan. This city belongs to all of us and it’s important we all have a say on its future,”says Mayor Bob Parker.

– ends –

Have your say

Come along and talk about the plan with us, ask questions and find out more about some of the proposals.

Open days

You’re invited to a weekend event at the dome in Hagley Park
- Saturday 23 March (11am-3pm)
- Sunday 24 March (2pm-4.30pm)
- Monday 25 March (3pm-7pm)

Community drop-in sessions

For more information phone 03 941 8999 (Banks Peninsula residents can call 0800 800 169)

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