Exceptional response to the Hastings District Council’s Long Term Plan.

The response to calls for public input into Council’s Long Term Plan has been excellent, with 125 formal submissions received and more than 1100 feedback surveys submitted.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says the Long Term Plan submissions process was a great opportunity for Council to hear about some of the important work going on in the community. “It’s a way of ensuring we listen to, and recognise the community’s needs for the next ten years and beyond.”

Formal submissions to Hastings District Council focused on the five key issues highlighted: Water supply improvements, bridge upgrades to meet new NZTA standards, further investing in the city centre to increase vibrancy, planning for infrastructure that will allow residential development, continuing to invest in improvements to the district’s reserves and playgrounds.

Most of those making formal submissions commented on all five key issues.

Topics addressed outside of those issues included requests for financial support for community initiatives and facilities, road maintenance issues, arts and culture, sport, rates charges and the environment.

The Mayor says the Long Term Plan serves a vital role in setting Council’s vision. “It addresses issues facing our community and it’s great to see and hear from people who have taken the time to express their views on the plan.”

Council staff were continuing to work through all the submissions and feedback received.

The next step in the process will see Council hearing verbal submissions from June 5.

Council will then consider all input, balance the requests and projects against the impact on rates, and then adopt a plan for the next 10 years.

Council must review its Long Term Plan every three years. In the intervening years the Annual Plan, including the budget, is reviewed against the Long Term Plan with changes made depending on the issues and events of the day. That process may also attract a full public consultation process.

ENDS.

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