More time needed to determine job-loss impact

More time needed to determine job-loss impact of proposed District Plan change

Property Council will urgently request that the Hamilton City Council grants an extension of time to lodge submissions on Variation 21, a proposed amendment to the District Plan that could cost thousands of jobs in Hamilton City.

Property Council spokesperson Graham Dwyer said Hamilton City Council has proposed Variation 21 and placed unrealistic timeframes on people lodge submissions in response to a monumental change to the district plan.

“For better or for worse, the politicians have hatched a plan that could render large sections of Hamilton’s commercial and industrial community non-compliant. Variation 21 would have significant long-term implications for Hamilton, some of which may have been unforeseen. This in turn puts at risk the wages and salaries of thousands of workers.

“It is unrealistic for Hamilton City Council to expect that people can digest the magnitude of change and turn around comprehensive submissions in such a short time. Mayor Bob Simock and his councillors have a duty of care to manage this process in the best interests of all Hamiltonians. This starts with providing more time for people to digest the implications of Variation 21, and to respond with submissions that outline the extent to which that proposed plan change will impact on people’s livelihoods,” Mr Dwyer said.

Property Council will make no further public comment until it has concluded its initial discussion with Hamilton City Council on the timeframe for lodging submissions in response to Variation 21.

ENDS