4 May 2006

Council gears up to deliver Community Plan

Christchurch City Council is proposing a new way of working for the group responsible for delivering services related to the city's water, waste, land drainage, wastewater, transport, roading, parks and open spaces.

General Manager City Environment Jane Parfitt announced the proposal to staff today, saying the realignment was needed to meet the targets set in the 2006-2016 Long Term Council Community Plan ( LTCCP).

"We need to be prepared to deliver the likely level of capital programme in the LTCCP. Looking at the huge amount of work we have to complete and ongoing services we need to provide, it's important to have our staff resources in the right places," Mrs Parfitt said.

"In today's challenging environment where we are facing increasing costs in all areas, there is no room for inefficiencies or duplication. We also have to provide a stimulating work environment and our staff have been saying that the way we do things needs to change."

Of the 360 positions in the group, three managerial roles would be disestablished and positions for four managers and one team leader would be created. "The managers in the three disestablished roles are well qualified to apply for the new roles," Mrs Parfitt said.

"This proposed realignment would be cost neutral; the proposal for many staff in the group is to change their line of reporting."

Mrs Parfitt said the proposed structure supports the delivery of a significant part of the Council's capital programme of $200 million a year which is a core accountability for the group.

Council Chief Executive Lesley McTurk said the proposal also means that the broader responsibility for the infrastructure of the former Banks Peninsula District Council area will be met and integrated into Christchurch City Council structures.

Staff submissions are open until May 17 on the proposed changes before a final decision is announced on May 24.

ENDS

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