29 June, 2006

Greater Wellington confirms rates for 2006/07

At today's meeting of the Greater Wellington Regional Council the regional rates for 2006/07 were formally adopted. For the 2006/07 year regional rates will increase in total by 6.89%.

"Funding improvements in the public transport system is the main reason for the increase in regional rates," said Ian Buchanan, Chairman of the Greater Wellington Regional Council."

"We're really making progress on transport issues. In the last week we've announced a solution to the upgrading of the trolley buses, and today we signed off on a new ten year contract for passenger rail services with Toll. These improvements are absolutely vital to the future of the region's public transport network, but they will require increased contribution from the region's ratepayers."

Other areas of focus for Greater Wellington will be spending more on improvements to flood protection systems in the region and strengthening our parks network with the inclusion of Waitangirua Farm into Belmont Regional Park.

"Outside of transport, flood protection and parks this years plan doesn't see large increases in other areas of Greater Wellington's work," said Ian Buchanan. "We're focusing on our core business and making sure we do what we do well."

The bulk water levy to the four metropolitan territorial authorities will not increase from last year.

ENDS

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