Council to consider draft Annual Plan

Elected members will be asked to consider and adopt the 2020-2021 Annual Plan Consultation Document and supporting document at the Full Council meeting this Thursday.

This year’s proposed annual plan contains variations from the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC)’s 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan (TYP) in order to keep pace with evolving community needs.

“Things change quickly in our fast-growing district. The annual plan process provides an opportunity to reassess our TYP, refocus investments and reforecast based on the most pressing projects for the year ahead,” said QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen.

“This proposed plan highlights what we believe are the key projects, strategic decisions and essential spending on infrastructure and services. If this is approved for consultation by Council this week, it will then be to up to the community to let us know if we have it right,” said QLDC General Manager Finance, Legal & Regulatory Stewart Burns.

The Consultation Document provides an update on key projects such as the Wānaka and Frankton Masterplans, the Way to Go transport and travel programme, solid waste services and Luggate Hall. It also includes information regarding more significant changes to investment for both capital and operational expenditure, such as investment in 3 Waters, Queenstown town centre capital programmes (such as arterial roads, parking improvements and public transport), Council and community buildings, and the Coronet forest harvest programme.

In addition to this, the Consultation Document also details proposed changes in relation to QLDC services including user fees for resource consents, building services, engineering acceptance, as well as sport and recreation.

Mr Burns added that the proposed average rates increase of 6.76% (after allowing for growth) was also detailed in the Consultation Document.

“The anticipated average rates increase for 2020-2021 in the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan was 3.91% (after allowing for growth of 3.5%). Changes in a variety of work programmes have added to this projected increase. The impact of increased costs have been partly offset against increased user fees, enhanced cost recovery, and increased loan funding for the ongoing District Plan review process.”

If approved, the consultation will be formally notified on Saturday 14 March in local newspapers. Copies of the Consultation Document will be available at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz from Monday 16 March until submissions close on 17 April.

The document will also be distributed through letterbox drops as an insert in ‘Mountain Scene’ and ‘Wānaka Sun’ publications on 26 March 2020, delivered to all PO Boxes in Glenorchy, Makarora and Kingston and posted to all non-resident ratepayers.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

The agenda item with Consultation Document and support document can be found here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-documents/agendas-minutes/full-council