Papakura's ten year plan maintains momentum

Papakura District Council has approved for consultation a draft ten year plan that sets out a path for growth managed responsibly and with a keen awareness of the national and global economic situation.

Papakura Mayor Calum Penrose says the proposed 2009-2019 Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) maintains momentum on key projects in the District but has an even closer focus on value for money.

“Council is very conscious of the economic environment and of the need to allocate funding wisely. We have been very prudent in our approach; every activity has been scrutinised and, where possible without reducing level of service, costs have been reduced,” he said.

Mr Penrose and LTCCP Committee chair Brent Catchpole said Council was also mindful that it could not allow the District to go backwards.

“With major growth expected over the term of this LTCCP, we cannot return to the situation we saw in the 1990s when maintenance on essential services was not carried out. We must keep moving forward, but do so with care,” said Mr Catchpole.

The 2009-2019 LTCCP builds on the direction set out by the previous ten year plan.

Councillors worked from a “baseline” budget that allowed for maintenance of all services currently provided to the community.

Beyond this figure, a set of option packages set out activities and projects the Council will seek the views of the community on. Among these option package items are security fencing for the BMX track at Redhill; additional roading rehabilitation and surfacing projects; footpath upgrading and improvements; and purchase of land to enhance Central Park.

The average rates increase to maintain current baseline levels of service in 2009-2010 is 5.3 per cent. This figure could increase if the community indicates it supports some of the additional projects in the option packages.

The draft LTCCP will now be submitted for independent auditing and once approved will be released for consultation, with a summary of the draft plan widely distributed within the district and made available electronically on the Council web site, www.papakura.govt.nz

Public consultation on the 2009-2019 LTCCP will start on March 26 and will continue for a full month.

“We want to know what the community believes is most important to maintain the district’s forward momentum. While we are all very mindful of the economic situation, we are asking people to let us know what they believe are the most important projects and activities that will keep Papakura a place we are proud to live in,” said Mr Penrose.