Time running out to have your say

Waitakere City residents have until May 23 to let their Council know what they’d like to see included in the City’s Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP).

Since public submissions opened on April 23, more than 80 people have written or emailed their opinions on a wide range of topics, such as the Council’s planned move to Henderson, public transport and traffic congestion, recycling and refuse services, water funding, roads, walkways and footpaths, stormwater reticulation, development of the Harbourview Park, protection of the Waitakere Ranges and local streams, the future of the Whenuapai Airbase, community facilities, the expansion of tertiary services and the development of the local economy.

One submitter is Te Atatu Peninsula resident, Glennys McGlashan, who sent in her reply within days of the submission period opening.

She wants the Council to consider buying the Old Post Office building and making it part of the existing community centre and library on the Peninsula.

“It would be a wonderful addition to the library and could become a children’s and teenagers’ library with large spaces for holiday activities and creative arts for young people,” she says.

Glennys has lived on the peninsula for 40 years and says she loves its community atmosphere and the quiet lifestyle. She also says her family really enjoys the new Village Green on Jack Pringle Park and all the local walkways and cycle tracks the Council has provided over the last few years.

The LTCCP looks 10 years ahead, outlining the City’s priorities for growth and development and how it should be paid for. The 2003/04 Annual Plan is also part of the document.

Priority areas include building thriving town centres, integrated transport and communication systems, a strong innovative economy, strong communities, active democracy, a thriving green network, quality water services, sustainable energy and clean air and a zero waste policy.

Major expenditure is planned on library books, a new Waitakere City library, the Munroe Rd bridge in Henderson, New Lynn’s Clark St roundabout, other new roading projects (including bus priorities), the start of building a new civic centre, new parks infrastructure (driveways, paths, drainage, toilets, etc) and new infrastructure for stormwater, wastewater and drinking water supply.

Once submissions close on May 23, the Council will hold hearings for those who wish to present their submission in person.

For a submission form, residents can phone the Council’s 24-hour Call Centre on 839 0400. Submissions can also be made online at http:// http://www.waitakere.govt.nz

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