Plenty of feedback from Waipa

1 September 2014

Waipa residents have been quick to get involved in a campaign aimed at getting more people to have their say about the future of the district.

In early August, council launched the 'Let's Get Engaged' campaign to encourage more and different voices to be heard before spending decisions are made.

The first-cut of a draft 10-Year Plan identifying spending priorities from 2015-2025 will be available after Christmas. But the council wants feedback now so the draft plan better reflects where the community wants its money to be spent.

The initiative is being run across a range of mediums including on the council's facebook page and in local newspapers. Within the next two weeks, council staff will also be out in the community, offering face-to-face opportunities for people to get involved.

Later in the year more detail on specific draft proposals will be released, including potential costs.

Chief executive Garry Dyet said the effort to enable more and different voices to be heard was important if the council's decisions were to better reflect the community's priorities.

"The way councils are set up is very formal - that's the process we have to work with. So this is about knocking down those barriers and making it easier for people to share their thoughts and raise important issues for councillors to consider."

A month into the campaign, more than 13,000 people had seen material on the council's facebook page. A number of people had made comment, asked questions and raised issues, some for the first time.

"What's great is that those comments are there for everyone to see, including councillors, and because of that, other people are encouraged to share their opinions as well," Mr Dyet said.

It was clear Waipa people were passionate about a number of things, he said.

"We've had a lot of comment on cycleways, roading and on facilities for young people. Other people have urged councillors to ensure spending priorities are based on core activities, including infrastructure. Still others have put forward ideas around public art or have asked about spending on things like footpaths."

Waipa's Youth Council had raised issues about growth and its impact on the environment and the need for more public transport. Youth leaders also suggested more facilities for young people and families would be needed in the future and expressed concern about the impact of an aging population on those who were working.

"Issues around growth, and the types of growth are very complex and have far-reaching consequences for council's spending priorities," Mr Dyet said.

Detailed growth figures for Waipa are expected within the next few weeks and would be shared with the community, he said.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Jeanette Tyrrell 027 5077 599