Media Release   26 June 2008
Annual Plan Adoption Makes Changes     

In adopting its Annual Plan for 2008/09 yesterday, Hawke's Bay Regional Council made some changes as a result of public submissions.

The Council considered 49 written submissions and personal presentations from 20 of these submitters earlier this month.

Council has approved additional funds to provide for the promotion of a new express bus service between Hastings and Napier that will be introduced shortly.  Council is still planning the new service which will offer additional and faster buses for commuters between the cities earlier in the morning and later after work.

Council has also approved $250,000 in principle for the purchase of land at Aramoana.  The local community have a plan to make more use of the historic woolshed as a base for environmental education on the marine reserve and coastal area, and as a base for search and rescue services.  Council received 12 submissions on this proposal in the Annual Plan.

The purchase will be subject to final negotiation with vendors and CHB District Council.
“Council’s purchase of the land is a critical link in bringing together the ecological and environmental aspects at Aramoana, and this has been very strong local initiative with good support and contributions from the community,” said Rex McIntyre, Chairman of Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

Another 8 submitters will speak to the Council on 6 August and present their views on targeted assistance which Council decided to consider separately.

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