Consultation is open on Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34 and you can have your say with a sausage!

Council is running free community barbecues in April to help start conversations with the community about its draft Long Term Plan.

The plan sets out what Council wants to do in the next 10 years and how it will pay for it, but like all local authorities around New Zealand it is struggling with rising costs.

Mayor Neil Brown said the draft Long Term Plan (LTP) was a balance about work that needed to be done and work that made the district a great place to live and work.

“We’ve got five key decisions that we’re seeking feedback on, but people can comment on any aspect of the draft so it’s really important that we give them the right information and listen to their feedback.”

Consultation on the draft LTP opened today and people have until Sunday 28 April to make a submission. Councillors will consider all the feedback, hear in person from submitters and then adopt a final Long Term Plan in June.

Mayor Brown said Council was planning to spend a lot of money on essential services, like roads, wastewater and drinking water.

“We’re also asking residents about what sort of green waste service they want from 2026, and about future developments like adding extra indoor courts at EA Networks Centre.

“We’ve developed this plan during a challenging time following covid, and now a new Government, and we’ll also be taking on more debt so we really want to hear what people think.

“I’m excited about what lies ahead and we’re planning for our district to continue to grow its reputation as a regional powerhouse.”

The first of the Saturday sausage sizzles is at the Tinwald Pool on Saturday 6 April, when councillors will be talking with the public about whether to spend $3 million on repairing the ageing pool or put that money to other waterplay options in the district, including a new outdoor pool at EA Networks Centre.

There is also the option of doing nothing, which would result in the Tinwald Pool closing.

Small groups will be shown around the pool and people can ask questions about the work needed to bring it up to scratch.

The second sausage sizzle will be at Baring Square East on Saturday 13 April, and the third at Methven on Saturday 20 April. In the event of  bad weather, the barbecues may be postponed – Council’s Facebook page will have the latest information.

There are about 30 events planned during the consultation period, including five community meetings and five pop-ups, and Councillors are also meeting with 12 community and service groups to talk about the plan.

You can find a full list of events, more information about the draft plan and give feedback at ItsOurPlace.nz.