19 April 2001

Now’s The Time To Have Your Say – Auckland City Council Releases Its Draft Annual Plan

Tell us what you think. Get a copy of the Auckland City Council’s draft annual plan and make the most of your chance to influence what the council does in the coming financial year.

That’s the message from Finance Committee chairperson Councillor Kay McKelvie who is inviting public scrutiny of the council’s draft annual plans, released for public comment this week.

The vital document contains priorities and budgets that define the council’s intended activities for the coming year and sets out what they are expected to cost.

Councillor McKelvie says the council puts considerable work into developing a draft annual plan and the document is among the most important the council produces because it sets a course for the 12 months from July 1.

“That’s why we want people to have a look at it and tell us what they think of our plans and budgets for the coming year,” she said. “The final shape of the document will be determined by what people have to say so it’s very important that groups and individuals take this opportunity to influence what the council will spend money on during the next 12 months.

“We are inviting people to look at our goals and the budgets associated with those goals so that we can be sure we are achieving the right balance between activities and costs.”

People can comment on the draft annual plan from now until Friday, May 25. The document and submission form is available in a complete or summarised format by phoning 379 2037 or accessing the Council’s internet site at www.akcity.govt.nz. Copies can also be viewed at any of the Council’s public libraries.

People who have made written submissions can follow them up with verbal submissions at one of several public hearings to be held around Auckland from June 6 to 11.

All submissions will then be considered for inclusion in the draft annual plan before it is presented for final adoption by the full council on June 28.

“All councillors are involved in the submissions process and the re-working of the draft annual plan because of its significance to individual communities and its importance in shaping the city’s future as a whole,” Councillor McKelvie said.

“We want to make sure that we end up with the best possible plan for the year ahead.”

ENDS

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