Friday 15 March 2013

Have your say on the city’s future

Christchurch City Council releases its draft Christchurch City Three Year Plan for public comment tomorrow – make sure you take a look at what’s inside and have your say on the city’s future.

The draft plan is a proposal setting out everything the Council plans to do over the next three years, how much these services and projects will cost, and where the money will come from.

As a Christchurch resident, your views help shape this city’s future. Public consultation on the draft plan opens tomorrow (16 March) and closes at 5pm on 19 April.

A summary of the draft plan, including a submission form, will be sent to every Christchurch household within the next week. Open days and community drop-in sessions are being held across the city so residents can find out more and make a submission on all or part of the plan.

Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button says the plans being made will touch the lives of everyone in this city and councillors want to know what residents think.

“We know people still face tough times but we’ve also got a unique opportunity to change for the better by introducing a cycle network and upgrading suburban centres as we rebuild. This is your chance to tell the Council what you think of these ideas, and to make a difference to your city.”

Submissions will be considered and debated by the Council, and any changes deemed necessary by councillors will be made before the final plan is adopted at the end of June.

“I encourage residents to take the time to make a submission. This city belongs to all of us and it is important we all have a say on our future,” says Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button.

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How to have your say

How can I find out more?
Come along anytime at the open days or community drop-in sessions during the times shown below for more information, to have your questions answered and to find out how you can have your say:

Where can I see the plan and get a submission form?
Copies of the plan, its summary and submission forms will be available from 16 March at Council libraries and service centres during opening hours, and online at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay.
Every Christchurch household will also receive a summary of the plan in their letterbox after 16 March, which includes a submission form.

How do I make a submission?
Make a submission by:
1. completing the online form at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay
2. emailing ccc-plan@ccc.govt.nz
3. completing the printed submission form
4. writing to the Council at the freepost address.

Submissions may be sent to (no stamp required):
Freepost 178
Christchurch City Three Year Plan
Christchurch City Council
Democracy Services
PO Box 73013
Christchurch 8154.

Please make sure your full name, address and contact number is included with your submission - no anonymous submissions will be accepted. Anyone wishing to withhold any information of a private or personal nature from their submission should first discuss this with the Assistant Council Secretary, phone 03 941 8999.

ENDS

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