Consultation for council rates lift
CentrePort purchase, bus depot lease on feedback list
Public consultation is under way about the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s proposal for a 19.8 per cent average regional rates rise for 2024-25.
“Public feedback is integral to setting the direction of our region through the Long Term Plan,” chairman Daran Ponter said.
“It gives councillors confidence that we’re making balanced decisions that account for our communities’ views on rates and regional priorities.
“This year, public consultation topics include two of the most significant decisions I’ve seen during my time on council, which will greatly affect the future of public transport and maritime trade in our region.”
There are propositions to purchase the Horizons Regional Council’s stake in CentrePort Limited and lease land for two new bus depots in Lyall Bay and north Wellington, in line with Metlink’s Asset Control Strategy.
The LTP is reviewed every three years, with consultation focusing on new activities or changes to key projects that will significantly impact the council’s budget, or levels of service provided.
“Since the last review in 2021, inflation, insurance premiums, interest rates and operating costs have risen, putting significant pressure on the first year of this updated plan,” Ponter said. “We’ve worked hard to find savings by keeping personnel positions vacant, reducing operational expenditure, rephasing and reprioritising projects as well as increasing borrowing terms.”
Projects in progress or with funding committed pushed rates up.
“This includes vital flood defence upgrades in the Hutt Valley and the design and planning of two storage lakes for bulk water supply.”
Residents are also asked for general feedback on activities such as increasing funding for pest management and flood protection programmes, restoration work in regional parks, renewable electricity generation, and bulk water supply.
Submissions close on April 22. To find out more about the LTP Review2024: gw.govt. nz/LongTermPlan