The community is taking the opportunity to let its views be known in the Queenstown Lakes District.

On 16 April the Council called for submissions on the QLDC Draft Annual Plan and has already received in excess of 186 responses.

With key drivers of affordability, debt reduction and value for money for ratepayers the draft delivered a low proposed average rate increase of 2.74%.

“An issue that has ignited the majority of responses is a proposal to change the roading level of service, which would mean less winter gritting (due to reduced New Zealand Transport Agency funding) and an end to ratepayer funded oiling on unsealed roads,” QLDC deputy chief executive and finance manager Stewart Burns said.

Council was looking for a firm guide on these issues, and others, including a proposal to lower the waste management rate but residents pay more according the amount of rubbish they make.

“It is great to see so many residents and ratepayers take the time to give their feedback, which will be presented to Councillors for their deliberations during the Annual Plan hearings in June,” Mr Burns said.

It was also interesting to note good pick up on a change in the way in which submissions have been submitted.

“This is the first time the community has been able to go to the Council website and write a submission on line. Just under a third of the submissions have been made on line,” he said.

The submission period would close on Monday, 16 May, 2011 at 5pm.

“There is still time for people to have their say. The Draft Annual Plan and the summary and submission forms are available at Council offices and libraries or on line at www.qldc.govt.nz,” Mr Burns said.

By: Jo Blick