Public submissions to be heard

Submissions to Horizons Regional Council’s proposed 2015-25 Long-term Plan are in and chairman Bruce Gordon is looking forward to hearing from members of the public later this month.

The proposed 2015-25 Long-term Plan sets out how Council plans to manage the Region’s resources for the next 10 years.

Changes in capital value, the completion of the Lower Whanganui Flood Protection Scheme, removal of the Animal Health Board funding and weed harvester operations scheduled for Lake Horowhenua will impact rates differently in each district.

A total of 175 submissions have been received to date and 69 people have indicated their wish to speak to Council. Topics brought up are varied, although a large majority relate to the six significant issues highlighted in the Council’s consultation document which was sent to households throughout the Region.

“We received a large number of submissions on transport, in particular road safety. We have also received a joint submission from all seven mayors in the Region around implementation of the regional growth study findings,” says Mr Gordon.

“The Sustainable Land Use Initiative, Lake Horowhenua weed harvesting and possum control were also popular topics. Council is looking forward to hearing from all submitters and considering their points as we build the final Plan.”

People who indicated a desire to speak to Council will be assigned a time at hearings in Wanganui on Monday 18 May or in Palmerston North on Monday 18 May, Tuesday 19 May and Wednesday 20 May.

“Those who wish to speak will be contacted by our staff this week. If you haven’t heard from us by early next week, please give us a call on freephone 0508 800 800 to ensure you have a speaking time allocated,” says Mr Gordon.

Submission hearings are open to the public and an agenda will be available on Horizons website www.horizons.govt.nz under Strategy and Policy a few days prior to 18 May.

Council will then deliberate on what they have heard and are expected to adopt the final Long-term Plan in June.

ENDS

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