22 April 2016

Capital’s Annual Plan – one more week to have your say

Wellingtonians have one more week to officially have their say on the Council’s Annual Plan 2016/17 consultation document, which sets out the activities and budget for the next financial year.

The formal consultation on its Annual Plan 2016/17, which implements year two of the 2015-25 Long Term Plan (LTP) and introduces a range of proposals to build on the progress so far, closes at 5pm next Friday 29 April.

“It’s important that the public shares their views on Council’s proposals for the next financial year,” says Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

“The details of governance and focus of the Urban Development Agency need your input. How strong should its role of urban renewal and housing affordability be?

“A huge issue ahead is how we reduce climate change emissions, so positive suggestions are very welcome on our Low Carbon Capital plan for Council and city-wide emissions.

“There’s one week left for the public to have their say, and I urge Wellingtonians to visit the Council’s website to view the consultation document and make a submission.”

Since the consultation period launched on 29 March, the Council has convened a series of public engagement events across the city, focusing on communities of interest – including Maori, the tech sector, Pasifika, Accessibility, Young People, CBD businesses and Arts and Culture. Over 400 people have attended these events and given their views or proposed new spending initiatives

Two of the main themes of this year’s Annual Plan are sustainability, through Council’s draft Low Carbon Capital plan, and resilience with Council’s membership of the 100 Resilient Cities programme.

The final consultation event will be a ‘virtual forum’ held on Facebook at 5pm onWednesday, 27 April. This event focuses on sustainability, resilience and environmental issues. Councillors Iona Pannett and David Lee will lead the discussions along with senior Council staff to answer public questions. Wellingtonians are encouraged to visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1576826212630073/ and register their attendance.

More information about the Annual Plan and how to submit your views can be found at Council’s website: http://wellington.govt.nz/have-your-say/public-inputs/consultations/open/annual-plan-2016-17

Following the conclusion of the consultation period, submissions will be analysed and a report provided to councillors, with oral hearings set for May. Following the hearings Councillors will make final decisions on content of the Annual Plan and agree the rate levels for 2016/17 in June.

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