Have a say on council plans for next decade
Community calls to do more to clean up waterways, protect native species and provide better flood protection were reflected in the Northland Regional Council’s “ambitious” new 10-year plan, but would come at a cost, chairman Bill Shepherd says.
Councillors signed off the proposals for 2018-2028 last week, and are now seeking public feedback until April 17.
Cr Shepherd says in recent years the council had kept a tight rein on rate increases, stretching existing budgets as far as it possibly could, but was now seeking public support for a spending boost that would cost the average ratepayer a roughly $67 (29 per cent) increase over the next year. He conceded that the percentage might seem steep, but it equated to only around $1.30 a week.
“The actual amount will obviously vary widely across the region — for example the $67 doesn’t include targeted increases to local transport or flood protection schemes — but we see this as a highly important investment for our environment to really flourish and to keep our communities safe from flood risk,” he said.
The council had produced a consultation document that highlighted the main changes and new initiatives being considered, and how they might be funded. It would also be holding Have Your Say events around the region from Tuesday next week to March 27, where people could give feedback direct to councillors.
“We encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to give their feedback to us in person, as these events are being held instead of a more formal hearing process,” Cr Shepherd said.
Feedback could also be submitted via www.nrc.govt.nz/ ltp2018, by post, email or fax, or dropped off at any regional council office.
People were welcome to have their say on any activity, but the LTP traversed several big issues that councillors were especially keen to hear their views on.
“The first is water. Do you want us to increase the work we do to care for Northland’s fresh and coastal waters? Another is native life; should we invest more in pest management and strive to become a pest-free
"The community has told us where we need to step up, but to make real progress in these areas we will have to boost our spending accordingly" Council chairman Bill Shepherd
region?”
The council also wanted to know how people felt about all Northlanders chipping in to help flood-prone areas — the plan suggested new flood infrastructure work for Whangarei, Awanui, Kaeo, Taumarere and Panguru.
Other decisions had to be made, including an overhaul of the rating system to make it fairer and more transparent, funding for emergency services, funding for sports facilities and changes to transport rates.
Cr Shepherd conceded that rate increases were never popular, but that had to be weighed against the fact that Northland’s communities had made it very clear they wanted more done to clean up water, protect native species and provide better flood protection.
“We’re at a real crossroads. The community has told us where we need to step up, but to make real progress in these areas we will have to boost our spending accordingly.” Given that the public would effectively be footing the bill, it was essential that people took the time to provide feedback to councillors on those issues. ■ The consultation document is available at www.nrc.govt.nz/ ltp2018 and at regional council offices.