Consultation opens on Draft Annual Plan
Residents can have their say on the Christchurch City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2012/13 from today.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is important that residents learn more about what’s in the plan so they can provide feedback to the Council before a final plan for the year ahead is adopted at the end of June.
The Draft Annual Plan 2012/13 is the Council’s proposed budget for the year ahead. It sets out all the proposed projects and services the Council plans to deliver, how much they will cost and where the money comes from.
“There are some major issues to consider in this year’s Draft Annual Plan as a result of the earthquakes and this year, more than any other, we need to hear what the community thinks about our proposals,” Mayor Parker says.
The Draft Annual Plan 2012/13 and a Summary version of the main document is now available online at www.ccc.govt.nz/annualplan so residents can find out more about the Council’s proposals for the year ahead before making a submission.
As part of the consultation process, residents will be invited to attend three Open Days the following weekend (28 – 30 April) at The Dome in North Hagley Park. Senior staff will be available at the open days to talk about what is in the plan and residents will be able to ask questions.
A series of eight community drop-in sessions is also being arranged in community centres across the city to make it easier for residents who wish to find out more about the plan and pick up, or fill in, a submission on the day. Senior staff will also be available at these session to answer questions. A schedule of sessions is outlined below.
“The earthquakes have had a massive impact on our city and there are some major decisions to be made this year. Putting together this draft plan has been challenging and I am confident we have put forward a sound plan that, despite the enormity of the task before us, is able to meet the costs of the rebuild,” Mayor Parker says.
“The best thing we can do now is listen. I urge our residents to look at this draft set of accounts and write to us with their thoughts. So, Christchurch, it’s now in your hands – we are laying the framework for the future of this city and we want to hear from you.”
The Council is asking people who make written submissions to consider joining with others if they wish to speak at public hearings. With just four days set down for the hearings, it is expected to be a lengthy process and it will be made more manageable if those with like-minded submissions come together and nominate a spokesperson.
Open Days
The Dome, Hagley Park
Saturday 28 April 2012, 11am – 6pm
Sunday 29 April 2012, 11am – 4pm
Monday 30 April 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
Community Drop-in Sessions
Akaroa Sports Complex
28 Rue Jolie
Friday 27 April 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
Sydenham Bowling Club
230 Brougham Street
Wednesday 2 May 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
North Beach Community Centre
93 Marine Parade
Thursday 3 May 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
St Albans/Shirley Club
269 Hills Road
Friday 4 May 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
Russley Golf Club
428 Memorial Avenue
Saturday 5 May 2012, 2pm – 6.30pm
Wigram Manor
14 Henry Wigram Drive
Monday 7 May 2012, 2pm - 6.30pm
Woolston Working Mens Club
43 Hargood Street
Tuesday 8 May 2012, 2pm - 6.30pm
Naval Point Club
Magazine Bay
Wednesday 9 May, 2pm – 6.30pm