229 submissions to Draft Long Term Plan

Southland District Council has received 229 submissions to its Draft Long Term Plan, the highest number of submissions to a Draft Long Term Plan to date. Policy and Planning Manager Susan Cuthbert said these submissions will form an integral part of the Long Term Plan process going forward.

"It's great that so many ratepayers have taken the time to share their opinions on the Draft Long Term Plan.

The high number of submissions from the community enables Council to take on board the views of those who will be affected by the issues most," Ms Cuthbert said.

Over half of the submissions were based on the proposed funding of water and sewerage in the District. Other topics that attracted a high number of submissions included the funding of public conveniences, the funding proposed for Curio Bay and changes to the bookbus service.

A total of 38 people have indicated on their submissions that they want to speak at the hearing. "Council staff are now in the process of summarising the submissions. After that, we will get staff comment and then send the summaries out to Councillors to read before the hearings next month," Ms Cuthbert said.

Submissions closed yesterday and will be heard by Council on 6 and 7 June. The final plan will be brought to Council for adoption on 27 June.