Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

This week, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council signed off on its Ten Year Plan for public consultation.

The development of the plan began over a year ago, and there have been many workshops and meetings along the way with much discussion and debate. We looked at regional aspirations and the outcomes that council should be seeking on behalf of its community.
We considered significant growth and demand assumptions, and issues and options for the main areas that council works in. Key activities like passenger transport; Tauranga Harbour programmes; cleaning up the Rotorua Lakes and Rotorua air; regional economic development; and sustainable water and land management, were reviewed and future direction decided.

Much as we would have liked a zero rate increase, this would see the region go backwards and we wanted to continue making progress towards a sustainable future. This has meant cost increases to a level which allows us to take further positive steps forward in caring for the environment.

In the end, it was the discussion on how we would fund the various activities which has had one of the biggest influences on the rating impact of the long term plan. The percentage of targeted rates levied for public transport, Rotorua Lakes and Rotorua air, has been decreased and more of the cost of these activities spread across the general rating base.

We want to hear what you think about this. The submission period is from March 27 to April 27.

Our Backyard magazine will have details or you can get a copy of a plan summary from council's website www.boprc.govt.nz or ask for a copy of the 330-page doorstop version by phoning 0800 884 880.