8 March 2019

Wellington City Council has released its 2019-20 draft Annual Plan, which outlines continued spending on resilience and the environment, housing, transport, sustainable growth and arts and culture.

The draft plan will be available on the Council website from today. https://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/meetings/committees/long-term-and-annual-plan-committee/2019/03/14

“It includes spending on some crucial projects that will ensure we remain one of the world’s most liveable cities despite our continued growth,” says Mayor Justin Lester.

“It’s the second year of our 10-Year Plan and continues to lay the groundwork for where we want to head in the next 50 years,” he says.

“We have identified crucial projects that will help future-proof the capital as well as help it grow and thrive. We have been judged the world’s most liveable city two years running but we cannot rest on that.”

Wellington’s population is predicted to increase to 280,000 in the next 25 years.

“Wellington is growing and that is putting pressure on all aspects of the city, including the three waters, housing and streets. There are competing demands for the services we provide: bus lanes, parking, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.”

The Mayor says the 10-Year Plan received strong backing for its spending priorities: resilience and the environment, housing, transport, sustainable growth and arts and culture. “We are proposing a rates increase of 3.9 percent in 2019-20 to account for our investments,” he says.

“It is important we keep stimulating our economy and this year construction of the Convention and Exhibition Centre opposite Te Papa will begin. The Centre will spark a transformation of the surrounding area and I look forward to a new, vibrant quarter emerging.

“We are also taking steps to preserve our current treasures, such as the strengthening work on the Town Hall and St James Theatre.

“We’re investing in the city’s future, laying the foundations now for a better tomorrow. We have work to do, but we’re on the right track.”

Timeline:

14 March – Annual Plan Committee meets to begin engagement

1 April – 29 April – consultation

9 April – Virtual Forum

3 June – Final draft goes to Annual Plan Committee

26 June – Final plan adopted

26 July – Final plan printed.

ends

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