Progress on development of Long-term Plan proposals for consultation
Development of Rotorua Lakes Council’s 2024-2034 Long-term Plan is progressing with elected members having agreed on community outcomes and discussion this week on potential proposals for consultation.
This week’s sessions were part of a series of livestreamed workshops that have enabled elected members to provide direction on what they want to propose and consult on for the Long-term Plan (LTP).
The LTP will set out what Council wants to achieve across a 10-year period and how that will be funded.
The Rotorua community will be consulted on what’s proposed in April 2024 and feedback and submissions will be taken into consideration when elected members make their final decisions and adopt an LTP in June 2024.
During this week’s workshops elected members discussed projects already in progress or committed to, including asset renewals, upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, the East Rotoiti/Rotomā and Tarawera sewerage schemes, stormwater projects, organic waste collection and restoration and re-opening of Te Whare o Te Arawa – Rotorua Museum.
Council also discussed, for consideration, proposals that could contribute to delivery of agreed community outcomes (see agreed outcomes below).
Proposals discussed included expansion of community safety initiatives, inner city revitalisation, options for improved management of pensioner housing and support services for tenants, provision of sports fields and facilities, investment to further support mountainbiking, funding for environmental protection, rating of short-term accommodation (eg bookabach homes) as commercial, rating of vacant land and devolved funding for community boards.
Further workshops for discussion on other projects and proposals, fees and charges, financial policies, capital works programmes and the rating framework are still to come.
The LTP workshops are open to the public to attend and are livestreamed so can be watched live or later via Rotorua Lakes Council’s YouTube channel.
You can view full recordings of this week’s workshops at the following links on Council’s YouTube channel:
Presentations from the workshops are available via THIS LINK on Council’s website where you can also access the schedule of workshops and view past presentations.
Agreed community outcomes
Active: Accessibility of our lakes, forests, open space networks and the quality of our facilities create opportunities for everyone to be active throughout their lives.
Safety: Our communities, businesses and visitors feel safe across our district.
Tangata whenua aspirations: We recognise and support the aspirations of tangata whenua and mana whenua and partner to grow economic and social opportunities and benefits for everyone.
Housing: All residents have access to a range of housing options that ensures they can live in quality homes that are safe and healthy.
Employment and economy: We enable businesses to grow with confidence through increasing investment opportunities. There are employment opportunities across a range of sectors.
Tourism: We are a world class destination with a vibrant inner city and a positive reputation.
Environment – mauri taiao: We are committed to protecting and improving our lakes and waterways and our forest and green space environments.
Connected and resilient: Our communities are cohesive and prepared for the effects of climate change and natural hazards and we invest in safe and reliable infrastructure.
Arts and culture: Rotorua’s unique cultural identity is the foundation for attracting and delivering a diverse range of multi-cultural events, increasing activity and vibrancy and driving economic benefits within our facilities and for our district.