24 February 2016

Wellington Regional Council commits to major investment programme

The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) today reaffirmed its commitment to significant investments in the region while also reducing the planned rates increase for 2016/17. Public transport fares are also proposed not to be increased for 2016/17. The Council now wants to hear the public’s views.

The GWRC is committed to big investments in new trains and bus services, enhanced flood protection (particularly in the Hutt Valley) and water supply resilience. The Council has limited rates increases for underlying business as usual activities to 1.9 percent, and reduced the overall increase to fund this and the investments to 7.9 percent from the original 10.8 percent.

This increase equates to 60 cents a week or $30.99 per annum for the average residential household in the Wellington region.

“We have big investments underway in the Wellington region - for example $400m in new trains, and $150m on flood protection in the Hutt Valley,” GWRC Chair Chris Laidlaw said.

“We’ve previously consulted with the community over these investments, and the public has consistently supported these initiatives. The investments are critical for the future economic development and long term sustainability of the region,” he said.

“I encourage people to look at the 10 Year Plan 2015-25 and the proposed changes. The Plan is about building a strong future for the region, so regardless of where you live in the region you have a stake in what the Plan is trying to achieve,” Mr Laidlaw said.

A document that sets out changes to the Plan will be available from 16 March in council offices, libraries and railway stations across the Wellington region. More information on the submission process will be available at www.gw.govt.nz/have-your-say

Background on the 10 Year Plan 2015-25
The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) adopted its 10 Year Plan 2015-25 in June 2015. The Plan describes GWRC’s activities and provides a long term direction for decisions, programmes and projects. It contains four priorities that are the focus of GWRC’s work.
- Investing in regional infrastructure

- Growing public transport patronage and people walking and cycling

- Making sure we can cope in emergencies

- Keeping our environment clean

Each year GWRC reviews the work priorities and activities set out in the Plan and identifies adjustments that need to be made based on any changes in the environment in which the regional Council works. As a result of this review, GWRC is proposing several minor changes to year two of the Plan.

GWRC is required to consult with the community on any significant or material changes to the Plan, and the public now has an opportunity to have a say on these changes. Consultation is limited to the identified changes; other matters not subject to change were consulted on and decided in the 10 Year Plan process, and are outside of the current consultation process.

Following the consultation process a final Annual Plan 2016/17 will be prepared and will be adopted before July 2016. The 10 Year Plan 2015-25 will remain a current document, subject to annual review, through to 2025.

ENDS

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