Coromandel's year ahead is open for submissions

Our Draft 2014/15 Annual Plan is now out and open for submissions.

We think the future is looking good for the Coromandel but we still have to work hard to get there.

Thames-Coromandel District Council Chief Executive David Hammond says economic development is not just about property development; it's about local employment, people coming into the Coromandel and getting more ratepayers moving here to live and build our great communities.

"As well as investing in our big priorities - the Coromandel Great Walk, Coromandel Harbour facilities, and, the Hauraki Rail Trail - we will be looking to implement our broader Economic Development Strategy adopted by Council in 2013," Mr Hammond says.

"But we're also asking to change the way we raise money for economic development. A notable amount of that is currently being paid by about 970 commercial properties. We're proposing to cap that amount on those commercial rates, because if you put that economic development increase on just those 970 commercial properties, we'll drive them out of business. Therefore, in short, we're asking all ratepayers to pay a greater contribution for this activity. In my view, everyone in the community benefits from economic and population growth - our schools, shops, sport clubs and our hospital."

As well as putting out the proposal, Mr Hammond has tasked Council staff with further options to reduce the 2014/15 operational budget from what is in the draft Annual Plan without cutting services.

"The great thing about local government is that people still have a right and an avenue to question their rates. Councils are not like some faceless utilities who don't hear the cost-of-living concerns of ordinary New Zealanders. You can make submissions on rates - and speak to that submission," he says."

So take a look at the Draft 2014/15 Annual Plan. Start with what you’re interested in, perhaps, and the things you feel need to be done in your community.

Ask us about anything you don’t understand.

And remember that if you do see the project you’ve wanted in the draft plan and you don’t submit with your support, it might get rejected if others submit against it. Give your favourite ideas the support they need by making a submission for them.

Please read the draft plan. Then make a submission. You'll find all the details here:www.tcdc.govt.nz/ap

P.S. You can also pick up printed versions at Council offices and District Libraries.

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