Whanganui District Council is now seeking submissions and feedback on its 2020/21 Annual Plan.
In this Annual Plan we are proposing a few changes from the Long Term Plan 2018-2028. These are explained in detail in our Consultation Document(PDF, 6MB).
Make a submission
Responding to COVID-19
We believe it is paramount to our community’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 situation to continue with our planned work programme. However we are mindful of the potential impact from COVID-19 on households and businesses. We are proposing the following measures:
- Reducing the proposed rates increase
Our pre COVID-19 projected average rates increase was 3.9%, however we have reduced this to 2.3%.
- Reducing rates penalties
We are proposing to reduce the penalty on late payment of rates from 10% down to 5% in order to reduce the burden on those who are unable to pay on their rates time.
In addition to this we will also be reviewing our rates remission and postponement policies with changes to be consulted on at a later date.
Annual Plan Summary
The Annual Plan 2020/21 Consultation Document includes the following proposed changes to Council spending since the adoption of the Long Term Plan 2018-2028. The document also includes information on the impact these changes will have on rates, as well as on fees and charges for Council services.
- 2019 property revaluations
- Additional funding to facilitate the ongoing development and implementation of the Climate Change Strategy.
- Funding for upgrading the Whanganui Airport runway
- Additional funding to implement the Digital Strategy
- Allocating funding to support the Whanganui Resource Recovery Centre
- Funding for the Whanganui Regional Museum
- Additional funding to support the delivery of the Housing Strategy
The Consultation Document also includes updates on key projects which have come up since the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 was adopted.
Read supporting information to the Annual Plan(PDF, 2MB)
Making a submission
You can submit your feedback in the following ways:
What happens with my submission?
Your written submission will be made available to Councillors, Council staff and the public as part of the consultation process. Your submission will be considered by the Council, but may not necessarily result in any of the changes you request being made.
Hearings
Due to the current COVID-19 situation we do not expect to be able to hold public hearings in person. However, we will hold hearings online via Zoom if required. In order to do this you will need to indicate on your submission form that you would like to speak, and provide an email address. This will also require you to have access to Zoom.