Jim Boult - Response to submissions to 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan | 2021-2031 He Mahere Kahurutaka
Below is the response from Mayor Jim Boult regarding the HCA submission to the 2021 - 2031 Ten Year Plan.
Re: Your submission to the 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan | 2021-2031 He Mahere Kahurutaka
My sincere thanks for making a submission to our most recent Ten Year Plan process. Hearing the voice of the community is an integral part of our planning process and despite being prepared in the wake of a pandemic and its associated affordability challenges, it was reassuring to see a high level of public engagement with the draft plan. We took each submission into account when making decisions for the final 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan | 2020-2021 Mahere Kahurutaka, which was adopted by full Council on 30 June. You can view the summary of decisions document here.
We highlighted several key changes in the plan this year which included a programme delivering safe and reliable 3 Waters services for our communities, meeting the transport needs of the wider Whakatipu area, a proposed new targeted rate on Queenstown town centre properties, and increasing user fees and charges. We also signalled Council's response to the changing global climate and some of the moves we are making to adapt, seeking your views on that action and understanding what you would like to see changed or included.
As a result of reviewing the proposed budget in light of the submissions received, the Council agreed to accelerate a number of proposed projects to bring benefits for the community forward. The rating effect of these changes saw Council adopt the 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan with an average rates increase over the ten years moved from 4.3% to 4.4% (after allowing for growth). In year one (July 2021-June 2022) that's an average of 5.45% (after growth) across the district.
On behalf of everyone at Queenstown Lakes District Council, thank you for taking part in this important process. It's inspiring to see such energy and pride in our district, and an enthusiasm and passion for making it the best place to live in Aotearoa New Zealand. We look forward to continuing these conversations over the forthcoming year and working together to deliver some great results for this wonderful part of the world.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Boult ONZM
Mayor
Queenstown Lakes District Council
