Last week to have your say on Draft Annual Plan

Make sure you tell the Council what you think of proposals in the Draft Annual Plan 2012/13 before community consultation closes on 21 May.

The Draft Annual Plan 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.

As of today (Wednesday 16 May) the Council has received 1259 submissions from the public.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is important that residents tell the Council what they think about proposals for the year ahead before a final plan for the year ahead is adopted at the end of June.

“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

“As part of this year’s Draft Annual Plan process, we have held a series of Open Days and Community Drop-in Sessions. These have provided a good forum for residents to find out more about what is in the plan and speak directly to Council staff about our proposals for the year ahead. As expected, there has been strong interest in the plans for the repair or rebuild of the 10 major community facilities outlined in the Draft Annual Plan,” Mayor Parker says.

This year’s plan includes proposals for the repair or rebuild of 10 major community facilities, as well as a financial strategy for the $3.373 billion cost of earthquake response and recovery efforts.

“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 Draft Annual Plan 2012/13 and a Summary version of the main document is 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. Submissions can be made online, in writing or by email – details are on the website.

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.