City's 10 year plan confirmed

Council has today finalised its year council community plan after deliberating to consider public submissions and set the level of rates from 1 July 2009.

Council believes it has been restrained in producing the 2009-19 Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) while still delivering largely on community expectations.

The extensive consultation process attracted considerable community engagement. The finalised plan represents a 4.38 per cent rates increase in 2009/10 to existing ratepayers. This is 0.6 per cent lower than that which was proposed – achieved through more favourable interest rates, operating cost changes and including changes to projects following consultation.

The largest and defining project of the plan is the construction of the $68 million Claudelands Events Centre. The redevelopment project has been designed on the basis of a unique one-site, multi-zoned facility with strong connectivity and close proximity to Hamilton's CBD. It includes a 5000-capacity multipurpose indoor arena, 1500-capacity conference centre and upgraded exhibition facilities.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock says the project is strongly supported by the community and will bring over $15m into the community every year, mostly from conferences.

“That means more jobs for people. Claudelands will also give us access to many sports and entertainment events that don't come to Hamilton currently. This project will keep up to 300 people employed for the next two years in an industry that is under pressure.”

The review of Hamilton’s district plan will be undertaken as it is outdated and doesn’t reflect the aspirations of the community. The review represents an opportunity to change the city's planning fundamentals and reflect new thinking about design. It will also enable the implementation of recent urban growth strategy work and bring alignment with Council’s eight city strategies.

In line with the market downturn Council has rephrased a number of city growth projects, which will minimise the impact on rates. The deferment of the north-east sector community facility programme (swimming pool and library) is part of the wider financial strategy to slow down growth related capital expenditure in order to ensure Council’s overall debt levels remain sustainable.

As a result of the consultation process Council will increase funding for the hydrotherapy pool by a further $686,000 (20010/11) to enable construction of the pool if a request for this funding to the Waikato DHB is declined. This is in addition to the $755,000 Council has already allocated in the plan. In conjunction with this additional funding Council has asked the hydrotherapy pool trust to raise $100,000 for specialist equipment for the pool and that the trust continue to fundraise to reduce Council’s additional contribution. Council will project manage the construction and oversee all operational agreements for the pool.

Council is committing funding of $100,000 for Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park for the planting of trees in the first five years. Further tree planting and the building of infrastructure has now been budgeted for years six to 10 in the plan.

Council will undertake a new study in year one to consider options for improving pedestrian/cycling outcomes at ‘hot spots’ throughout the city including the cross-city connector. The plan provides $2 million per year for physical works at identified sites in years two to four.

Council has also set aside $50,000 annually for public art throughout the city and will explore additional funding options for public art. In support of performing arts groups Council will establish a new $100,000 (annually) contestable fund from 2011/12 for operating expenses. Council has requested Waikato-Bay of Plenty Football work with staff to develop long-term plans for a home of football in Hamilton.

Council has accepted the Business Improvement District (BID) programme for the central city. The BID is a partnership between Council and Hamilton Central Business Association to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment and add vibrancy to the area. Council will contribute $100,000 in years one and two to support the formation of the BID. A targeted rate for the BID area will begin from 1 July 2009.

Mayor Simcock says that this has been a difficult plan to put together in tough economic times. The plan Council has finalised today delivers on community expectations, mindfully responds to community feedback and at a prudent rate increase less than what was first proposed.

“I believe Council has struck a balance of what is realistic affordable in today’s economic climate while not losing sight of an aspiring distinctively Hamilton vision. This finalised plan is tuned to today’s short-term environment while allowing for positive long-term outcomes.”