Draft Annual Plan 2019-20 Consultation
Draft Annual Plan 2019-20 Consultation
Feedback is being sought on the Regional Council’s proposed Annual Plan for 2019-20.
Having undertaken a comprehensive review through the Long-term Plan 2018-28, the planned 2.1 per cent average rate increase for Year 2 (2019-20) is now no longer possible. There are a number of factors, outside of the control of the Council, which are contributing to this.
Chairman of the Regional Council, Andrew Robb, said that the biggest impact has been as a result of the Local Government Commission Review and the Regional Council now being required by legislation to develop a One District Plan on behalf of the region’s three District Councils.
“In order to prepare, notify, adopt, amend as required and review the One District Plan, we have to strike a new rate which will affect all West Coast ratepayers.”
Mr Robb said that if this directive had not been made, both the Grey and Westland District Councils would have to rate separately to undertake their own individual plans in addition to the work that the Buller District Council has commenced, but is still to complete.
“Theoretically, this will not be costing ratepayers any more, and should result in cost savings in the long run particularly through the submission, hearing, mediation and appeal processes.”
“In addition to the cost savings identified for West Coast ratepayers, the One Plan is expected to make the region more attractive for investment and easier for business with a consistent regulatory framework across the region.”
Changes to compliance inspection fees are also proposed. The Regional Council is updating inspection charge to apply consistently across those farms who discharge dairy effluent under the permitted activity rule or those who have a resource consent for this activity, as well as an increase to the fee.
Several Rating District proposals are also out for consultation. New rating districts are being proposed at Carters Beach in the Buller District, and Rapahoe in the Grey District, in response to community requests to help manage the effects of coastal erosion. Other changes are being proposed for the Karamea and Punakaiki Rating Districts.
“The activities in the Long-term Plan, and those we are consulting on in this document, all have a direct impact on how you live, work and play in our region,” said Mr Robb. “If you have views on these proposals, it’s important that we hear from you.”
The draft Annual Plan 2019-20 will be notified on Friday 17 May, with consultation documents available from local libraries then. In the interim, people can access these now through Council’s website at www.wcrc.govt.nz/annualplan.
Submissions close on 17 June 2019.
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Media contact
Andrew Robb | Chairman | West Coast Regional Council | 027 483 8253
