Adoption of HBRC Annual Plan

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has adopted its 2014-15 Draft Annual Plan for public consultation.

The draft plan is based on HBRC’s Long Term Plan, which was adopted three years ago and will be reviewed again next year. It has only minor changes from the Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

HBRC is proposing a 5.8% rate increase in the 2014/15 draft plan. This is on the back of a reduced rate rise last year and lower than expected market interest rate returns for 2014/15, which offset rating charges.

Within the draft plan HBRC, in conjunction with private sector partners, is considering investing in a rail freight carrying business on the Napier-Gisborne line. A critical element of this will be agreement from KiwiRail and the Government to reopen and repair the line to a ‘fit for purpose’ condition.

Separate public consultation on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme will take place in May 2014.

The draft annual plan is available at www.hbrc.govt.nz.Copies of the plan are also available at local libraries and HBRC offices.

Public meetings are being held throughout the region during April so the public can discuss the plan with councillors.
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