 Media releaseFinal Long-Term Plan Signed OffPosted On: Wednesday, 14 June 2006Council's finalised its 2006-16 Long-Term Plan today after a dynamic consultation and consideration of public submissions. Hamilton Mayor Michael Redman says the finalising of the long-term plan is a significant milestone for Council and Hamilton. It's a forward thinking plan, inflation proofed and provides a blueprint for the development of Hamilton over the next 10 years which continues to experience extraordinarily strong growth. "The projects and programmes presented in the finalised plan are a comprehensive response to the growth impacts facing the city, the issues and priorities raised by the community and the aspirations of our community as expressed by the Community Outcomes contained within Council's 2006-16 Long-Term Plan. With a rate rise of 6.21 per cent average increase for existing ratepayers in year 1, the plan will enable Council to fulfil its vision, goals and financial targets and sets the direction for future years of the plan's 10 year period. Hamilton compares extremely favourably with other metropolitan cities some of which have rate rises over 10 per cent." The plan is based on predicated growth of 11,000 new homes and a population increase of almost 25,000 people over the next 10 years. However, growth estimates will be monitored annually and the plan to allow for adjustments so that the timing of key infrastructure is delivered as closely as possible to meet the needs of new growth. Highlights of the plan include the redevelopment of Claudelands Events Centre ($43m). The seating capacity of the new indoor stadium and the mix between major event and community use is being investigated and will be finalised in the next few months. The CBD Upgrade ($26m) which will revitalise the central city, Access Hamilton ($182m) the city's transport strategy that will enable people to move around the city efficiently and effectively and significant expenditure on city growth infrastructure. Changes to the plan that have resulted from the submission process include: Also as a result of the submission process the timing of when the new Development and Financial Contributions Policy takes affect has been adjusted. In principle, existing consents will be charged under the Proposed District Plan reserves contributions to be (collected under the Resource Management Act). All new consents granted from 1 July 2006 will be charged according to the new Development and Financial Contributions Policy. The proposed changes to the policy allow for sustainable city growth while keeping development contribution rates competitively positioned when measured against other fast developing cities. ENDS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Name: Michael Redman |
 |
RSS Feeds |
|
