Council's Annual Plan 2010-11 was adopted on Thursday 24 June 2010.  This plan forms year 2 of the 10 year plan developed last year.

Where can I get a copy of the final plan?
The full final plan is available from Council's website and from Council offices and libraries.    

Where are we in the current 2010-11 process?
Council received 79 submissions on its draft Annual Plan which compares very well with some of NZ’s larger areas like Auckland that received less than 60 submissions.  It is always good to know that our community is keen to engage with Council on what is ultimately a plan for the whole district.

Seventeen submitters spoke to their submissions at the hearing, many providing valuable food for thought; ensuring Councillors were armed with all the facts and all sides during their deliberations. 

Councillors made the following decisions; at its meeting on Thursday 24 June.

• Every year one of the most popular topics is that of toilets – this year it attracted 32 submissions.  Council staff have been asked to look at the 10 year toilet programme and fast track it over the next few years.  There is much investigation, planning and consultation involved before construction can begin; but we are confident of making progress in the coming year.
• Council will be committing $20,000 (compared to a proposed $50,000) towards the continued operation of the cinema; while looking at the best way to deliver that service.  Councillors were confident that the community were generally in favour of the facility and that it added value to the social wellbeing of the district.
• Council is committing $30,000 towards introducing banners in our three main towns along state highway 1 (plus an additional cost of $17,000 per year thereafter).  It was felt that banners would provide unity and consistency across the district; are vibrant and colourful and would encourage people to stop and enjoy what is on offer, from Te Waihou and the Blue Spring to the Waikato River Trails to more event focused messages like Involve and other large events.
• At the request of the community, Council will be removing the Upper Atiamuri Recycling station.
• Council has adopted dog control fees for 2010-11.  The following fees were resolved: an increase from $40 to $60 for rural dogs; an increase from $50 to $60 for SOP; an increase from $115 to $135 for urban dogs; and an increase for spayed/neutered dogs from $65 to $90.  This fee structure still does not meet our funding policy of 40% rate funded / 60% user pays.
• Council will be enhancing litter patrols to ensure that the same level of service is delivered in Putaruru, Tirau and Arapuni as is provided in Tokoroa.  This will replace the funding previously set aside for the Putaruru Mainstreet Minder ($20,000 set aside in the 2010-11 year).

Link to final 2010-11 Annual Plan

Link to final Fees and Charges

Link to Vision, the 10 year plan 2009-19

Why should I get involved in Council's Annual Plan processes?
Council's Annual Plans sets out Council's activities, projects and funding for the coming year. It is important to Council that the plan captures the aspirations and desires of its communities; balanced of course with what we can afford.

What is the relationship between last year's 10 year plan and this year's annual plan?
Every three years Council prepares a 10 year plan. This is critical to Council's forward planning processes. Last year we adopted the 10 year plan 2009-19. This year's Annual Plan effectively mirrors year two of the 10 year plan. Council's next 10 year plan will be prepared in 2012 and will look forward to 2022. It is usually during the 10 year plan preparation (on a three year cycle) that Council may suggest major projects or include significant items that have been brought to our attention by the community. The interim years tend to be a more 'business as usual' approach.

For further information contact Strategic Planning.