Greater Wellington wants to hear what matters to you

Consultation on the Greater Wellington Regional Council 10 Year Plan and the proposed Revenue and Financing Policy opened today.

Council Chair Chris Laidlaw says it's important everyone in the region take the time to learn how the proposed plans for the future of the region will affect them and to provide feedback to on the issues that matter most.

 "This is a conversation about the future and we value every contribution to it.

"Our communities are investing their money and their trust in the council to provide for a safer, cleaner more productive and resilient future and it's important to us the community is able to share their views with us and help shape the decisions we make."

 The proposals for the next 10 years would require an annual increase over the next financial year of $30.89 or $2.57 per month for Greater Wellington ratepayers.

 Key drivers of this increase include ongoing investment in steadily improving  public transport, providing more robust flood protection, beefing up freshwater and biodiversity protection, and introducing the range of fare discounts for public transport users including students, children, blind and disabled people and for off-peak travel.

 As part of the long term planning process, we have also taken the opportunity to review our Revenue and Financing Policy which sets out how we allocate rates across the region among different groups of ratepayers.

 We are proposing to change how we allocate funding through rates for our work around public transport and flood management, and we are keen to have as much feedback as possible on these changes.

"The changes to this policy are intended to spread the costs of these core services more equitably so those ratepayers who get the most benefit pay the largest share of the costs.  However, we are open to the views of our community on this and will be guided by feedback on the proposed plans." says Mr Laidlaw.

 For further information on Greater Wellington's proposed plan visit www.WhatMatters.co.nz or pick up a copy of the 10 Year Plan Consultation Document and a summary of our Proposed Revenue ad Financing Policy at your local library.  Consultation on these plans close on Sunday 29 April 2018.