Media Release
24 June 2015
New Long Term Plan adopted

Today Whangarei District Council adopted its 2015-2025 Long Term Plan (LTP) which heralds a change of focus for the District over the next 10 years.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said that Council received 1024 submissions on its Consultation Document issued in March.

"Throughout the hearings process we have been heartened by the passion of people in our District who want to see it progress and move forward.

"Very early on in the process this Council decided that taking on further significant debt was not an option, and submissions on the Plan showed it was not an option for our community either," she said.

"This meant we had to find another way to make sure our books balanced, our operational expenditure will match our income, and that we could keep our current assets robust and in good shape for a secure future.

"Next year will see residential rates increase at an average of 9% followed by an average of 4.8% in following years. The aim is to consolidate recent gains and see Council investing in existing assets while working within the income the District generates.

Mayor Mai emphasised the need to continue to find efficiencies and save costs, and work closely with partners and contractors to ensure value for money.

"Through the submission process we had many requests for Council to fund worthy community projects; some will have been met, while others have not.

"The rates increase for the commercial sector has impacted on some commercial property owners more than others. We have listened to their feedback and, as a result, will be conducting a comprehensive review of our rating policies ahead of next year's Annual Plan," Mayor Mai said.

"Naturally, the final plan will please some people and disappoint others, although we have noticed community-wide resolve to support necessary choices for the good of all.

"This Long Term Plan will move our District forward and invest enough for it to grow and prosper, while continuing to work within our means."

The final Plan will be available on Council's website next week at www.wdc.govt.nz/ltp

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