Rates affordability, Katikati's Heritage Museum and cycleways are the high priorities for Western Bay of Plenty ratepayers after more than 1000 submissions on the council's Long Term Plan – two-and-a-half times the amount in 2012.

Submissions on Western Bay of Plenty District Council's LTP closed late last week following a successful roadshow across the district.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

A council spokesperson says like Tauranga City Council, there was a surge of submissions in the last couple days.

'As of Tuesday afternoon we had received 404 submissions, so that number grew significantly in the final days,” they said.

Tauranga City Council received 646 submissions for its LTP, with around 500 of those coming in on the last day.

Of Western Bay's submissions, three issues stood out during the consultation process, attracting a significant amount of feedback.

Rates affordability, Katikati's Heritage Museum and cycleways lead the way – with the latter receiving a lot of positive support.

The LTP has been open for public feedback since March 27, with a number of big ticket items including a new library for Katikati and plans for dealing with debt.

Council's LTP roadshow attracted almost 300 people in 10 different locations across the district, as councillors and staff sought feedback on the plan.

The roadshow strayed from traditional methods of public consultation, as councillors and staff met with ratepayers and residents in their communities in a more informal setting that included a retro caravan, deck chairs and umbrellas.

Western Bay Mayor Ross Paterson is delighted with the level of feedback.

'We as a band of councillors had a great time travelling around the communities with our Long Term Plan road show,” says Ross.

'We were especially thrilled with the interest shown in the rural communities of Paengaroa, Pongakawa, Pukehina, Oropi and Maketu.

'We will certainly be continuing this way of engaging with our communities face-to-face. It is a great way for people to share their concerns and issues with us in a relaxed setting rather than the formality of the council chamber.”

Included in the submissions was a petition from the Western Ward Resident and Ratepayers Association signed by more than 2000 people calling for a freeze on rates.

Ross says freezing rates sounds great in theory, but would result in lower levels of service to ratepayers, a deterioration of key assets and increased debt from not being able to service interest on loans.

'We provide quality infrastructure and services to our growing District, have continued to reduce our debt and remain on a steady financial footing with a strong credit rating,” he adds.

'The draft LTP allows us to continue to do this with modest planned rates rises, especially when you factor in population growth and inflation.”

Ross says the community's feedback will receive serious consideration by elected members in a second round of engagement and hearings this month.

People who made a submission will be able to discuss this further with councillors at four feedback sessions to be held in Waihi Beach, Katikati, Te Puke, and council's chambers at Barkes Corner in the coming weeks.

The final LTP will be adopted on June 25 with the proposed work programme coming into effect on July 1.

LTP feedback sessions:

May 9 – Waihi Beach RSA, 9am.

May 11 – Council chambers, Barkes Corner, 9am.

May 12 – Katikati St Peter's Church, 9am.

May 13 – Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 4pm.