An Eastern Bay of Plenty Council is asking the public to have their say on the district's draft Long Term Plan when it's released from consultation next week.

Named ‘A Foundation for our Future', the Whakatane District Council's LTP sets out the council's strategic direction, priorities, work programme and budget for the next 10 years.

Mayor Tony Bonne says the plan is guided by three key principles: affordability, sustainability and responsibility.

'These principles aim to balance people's ability to pay with the need to maintain assets and deliver services, so the community gets the best value for money from its council.

'We've had a good hard look at our financial strategy and made some tough decisions to reduce costs, which we hope the community will understand and agree with.”

Tony says those decisions are explained further in the draft Long Term Plan, but some of the key areas relate to lowering the limits on borrowing and deferring some projects from the last LTP to keep rates down.

He says some essential projects are included in the plan, including upgrades to stormwater systems throughout the district, Thornton Road realignment and plains water supply flow and pressure improvement projects.
Residents are being asked to get involved in the development of the Long Term Plan and help influence the future of our district.

'We will read and listen to your feedback before we make final decisions about work programmes, priorities and expenditure.

'Knowing your views and what is important to you helps us work towards the kind of district you want.

'Our vision as a council is to make the most of the opportunities that our district provides, to be the place of choice for people to live, work and play.

'We need to hear from you if we are going to realise that vision.”

The public consultation period begins on next Monday and will close on April 13.