61 submissions to Draft Annual Plan

Southland District Council has received 61 submissions to its Draft Annual Plan.

Submissions closed on Wednesday and will be heard and considered by Council on 14 and 15 June, with 12 of the submitters indicating they wanted to speak to their submission.

Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said a number of the submissions were slightly different this year, with many submitters commenting on a variety of township projects which are proposed and communities wanted feedback on. 

"It's really good to see comments on the local projects that are happening, such as the Riverton cemetery toilet and the Henry Street playground in Te Anau," Ms Taylor said.

"We haven't really received this sort of feedback in the past so it is really pleasing to see people taking the opportunity to let the Council their views about project planned in their community."

Submission numbers are down from last year when Council had 81.

"A number of people have also given feedback about proposed grants, particularly for Te Hikoi museum, as well as topics such as the roading rate," she said.

Council staff are now summarising the submissions, getting staff comment and getting them out to councillors to read before the hearings next month. The final plan, incorporating any changes from submissions will be brought to Council for adoption on June 29.