29 March 2018

The Masterton community is being asked to help shape the future of the district with consultation on key spending opening on Thursday.

The Council’s draft Long-Term Plan went go to council on Wednesday 28 March, and opened for consultation from Thursday 29 March.

The plan considers issues such as what a rejuvenation of the town centre should look like, expanding the library and initiatives to minimise waste and conserve water.

Major Lyn Patterson says this is the key opportunity for people to have their say on what they want the Council to invest in.

“The Long-Term Plan, while it might not sound exciting, is the fundamental plan the Council works to when investing and maintaining services over the next ten years,” the Mayor says.

“For example, we’re asking people whether they support proposals to build a new performing arts and events centre. That is a key investment and people should tell us what they think.

“This Long-Term Plan is a real balance between investing in proposed projects that will really make a difference to the look and feel of our town, while also ensuring continued service delivery.”

The draft Long-Term Plan also outlines how the Council is planning to pay for the proposed projects. Funding from revenue and reserves will be used for delivery of existing services and renewal of infrastructure while new projects that deliver an improved level of service will be funded through borrowing.

“We are committed to keeping rates affordable, which is why we haven’t had increases above 3 per cent over the last five years,” the Mayor says.

“These exciting proposed projects will require additional investment, it will mean an average rates increase of 4.9 per cent across all properties. For a median value household in Masterton that equates to $1.70 per week.”

People are invited to make submissions either in person or in writing between March 29 and April 30.