Ten Year Plan Puts Money Where Its Needed

Hastings District Council’s ten year plan tackles the big issues facing Hastings residents; aiming to stimulate the local economy, planning for the responsible use of our resources and encouraging community-driven projects.

After six days of hearing submissions, debating the issues and making changes to its Draft Ten Year Plan Council yesterday voted to support the final plan. The final plan includes a number of new initiatives requested by the community.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says Council has achieved a plan that takes significant steps towards helping the local economy get through a difficult time.

· Footpath Renewal: $3m has been allocated for footpath renewal which will lead to local employment, however it was agreed the project should be funded from loans but repaid through rates over five years - requiring a modest increase in rates but achieving a significant saving in loan servicing costs.

· Customer Service Building: A $ 4.7m customer service one-stop-shop will be constructed next to the existing Lyndon Road administration building. This will not only improve service to ratepayers and create efficiencies but will give the local construction industry a much needed boost.

· Government Insulation Scheme: HDC is one of the first councils to agree to developing a targeted rate for people wanting to insulate their homes which could help thousands of Hastings households become warmer and healthier.

· Taskforce Green: HDC has voted to contribute $110,000 towards employing 30 recently unemployed people to do subsidised work for Council in areas where they can contribute considerable value, such as building youth play facilities.

"These projects will create jobs for Hastings people when they need it most, encouraging spending and supporting local business, while contributing to the city's infrastructure," Mayor Yule says.

Community Projects

Consultation with the community led to council support for a number of additional projects:

· $30,000 for the U-Turn Trust which aims to galvanise the Flaxmere community to make a practical difference,

· Funding for youth projects such as an “Extreme Park” (skate activity park) for Hastings and concept design for a premiere playground,

· Additional support in the area of arts and culture through funding for the Hastings City Art Gallery and support for community events.

· Funding support of $75,000 for the Elwood Park upgrade

· Council allocated $160,000 for a Tsunami Warning System and is currently advancing work in the areas of signage and education.

Strategic Planning

The council's vision "Great Living for a Sustainable Future" was well supported. Strategic priorities based around land use are at the forefront of the plan with initiatives such as the District Plan review and the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy.

Council's strategic direction focuses on reducing dependency on cars and this is supported through investment in cycleways and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods.

Affordability

Council agreed the economic climate required a prudent approach to the rates increase while still supporting vital projects in the community and maintaining the District’s infrastructure and planning.

The result of this is an average increase to Hastings District Council rates of 2.54 percent -which is well below the rate of inflation.