Have your say on draft Earthquake-prone Building Policy

Mayor Ray Wallace is encouraging everyone to have their say on Council's draft Earthquake-prone Building Policy.

Consultation has begun on the draft policy which proposes all earthquake-prone buildings in Lower Hutt meet at least 67% of new building standards.

The current policy, adopted in 2006, requires earthquake prone buildings in the city to meet 50% of new building standards and 33.3% for heritage or historic earthquake-prone buildings.

Mayor Wallace says Council's proposal will increase the level of strengthening required to that recommended by the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineers.

"The destruction I saw during my recent visit to Christchurch left me in no doubt earthquake-prone buildings must meet a higher standard in order to reduce the risk of people being seriously hurt or killed in the event of a quake.

"It's been five years since the Earthquake-prone Building Policy was adopted by Council so I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes," says Mayor Wallace.

Copies of the draft Earthquake-prone Building Policy and submission forms are available from Council's main administration building on Laings Road, libraries, and www.huttcity.govt.nz Submissions close on Friday 1 July at 5pm.

A public information meeting, featuring a presentation from the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineers, will be held in the Little Theatre on Thursday 16 June at 7.30pm