Stratford Mayor keen to hear from more people on the draft LTP
With just one week left for people to make a submission on Stratford District Council’s (SDC) draft Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-34, Mayor Neil Volzke is urging the community to have their say.
As of 24 April, SDC had received only 16 submissions on the draft LTP.
Mayor Neil Volzke says, “This number is nowhere near what we hope to receive. We’ve had some good discussions online and in person, so we know people have comments to make and are passionate about specific issues. But these conversations haven’t carried over to submissions yet.”
“Having your say isn’t a difficult process,” he says. “While we do have some key topics that we’re keen to hear your views on, you don’t have to provide comments on everything.”
“I encourage people to have a say on anything related to Council’s role in the community. If something matters to you, then it’s important and you should share it with us,” says Neil.
Submissions close at 4.30pm on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Key details from the draft LTP:
- Average rate increase for 2024/25 is 15.5%
- Just to do the basics is costing SDC money, 1% rates increase equals approximately $160,000 in the annual budget
- Some of SDC’s top priorities over the next 10 years are:
- Strengthen council owned earthquake prone buildings
- Demolish the old TSB Pool Complex
- Maintain the roading network
- Have resilient water infrastructure
- Upgrade the Stratford town centre
- Extend Brecon Road over the Pātea River
Learn more about these priorities and any impact on rates in our consultation document online here.
Ways to have your say:
Online
The easiest way to let us know what you think is to complete our online submission form. You can also provide comments by emailing us at submissions@ stratford.govt.nz
In writing
Fill in the submission form at the end of our consultation document. Post your completed submission form to Council, or drop it to one of our facilities. Additional forms are available from the Library and Visitor Information Centre, Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre, Council offices and on our website.
In person
You can present your thoughts to Council by speaking to your submission in person. If you’d like to do this, put in a submission outlining the key points you’ll refer to. On your submission form, make sure you select the option to speak to your submission.