Council has received 679 submissions to its draft 2008/2009 Annual Plan. Submissions closed Thursday, 1 May following a one month notification period.
The draft plan outlines Council’s proposed infrastructure and service programmes for the next financial year (1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009) and how much money will be needed to cover the work required.
Under the draft 2008/2009 Annual Plan, Council plans to generate $25.08 million from district rates of which 3.50 per cent is an allowance for inflation leaving a 1.58 per cent increase in real rates. In addition, 2.04 per cent more rates will be collected because of growth in the number of ratepayers.
The proposed average district rate increase for 2008/2009 is 0.85 per cent less than the 5.93 per cent increase in the 2007/2008 financial year.
The majority of submissions relate to revised project costs for construction of a $5.945 million rock seawall at Waihi Beach. The seawall will protect some 1050 metres of shoreline from coastal erosion that fronts residential property along the The Loop and Shaw Road at Waihi Beach.
The revised costs were outlined in a draft revenue and financing policy as part of an amendment to Council’s 2006-2016 Long Term Council Community Plan which was consulted on as part of the annual plan process.
A consent to construct the rock seawall at Waihi Beach was granted by Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick on 5 May 2008. The Minister’s consent follows a recommendation from the Environment Court that approval for the seawall be granted.
Other issues raised by several submitters related to a proposal for a boat ramp to be built at Kauri Point at the Northern end of Tauranga Harbour and proposals for development of Council property, including offices and walkways.
Council will hear and consider submissions from both individuals and organisations on 19, 20 and 21 May. It will meet again on 9 June to make final decisions on issues resulting from the submission and hearing process and expects to formally adopt the plan on 26 June 2008.
Council received 54 submissions to its previous annual plan, which covered the 2007/2008 year (1 July 2007 – 30 June 2008).