‘We Have Listened’
— Mayor Garry Moore and Councillors Carole Evans, Helen Broughton, Sally
Buck, Graham Condon, Barry Corbett, David Cox, Anna Crighton, Pat Harrow, Bob Parker, Bob Shearing, Gail Sheriff, Sue Wells and Norm Withers
It was a privilege to receive feedback from residents about our draft 2006-16 Community Plan. We have been able to incorporate much of what was raised into our final plan.
While we made significant changes from the draft to the final plan we could not meet everyone’s
wishlist at this time.
However, some issues that are not in the plan are still on the agenda for further discussion and investigation. We regard these issues as important. Every matter raised by our residents has been documented, with some already referred back to portfolio or special working groups.
In looking at the over all plan a highlight is that for the first time Banks Peninsula is now part of the wider Christchurch City Council. Its inclusion brings a new perspective to our plan for the next 10 years.
What also came through very strongly in the submissions was the love Christchurch residents have for their parks and gardens. One of the major projects in the years ahead is the work that will be undertaken following the release of our Hagley Park-Botanic Gardens draft masterplan. This should be out for consultation later this year.
As councillors we want to make a strong statement in this Community Plan about the value we place on our water resources. The high quality of water that Christchurch residents enjoy is nonnegotiable. We’re also committed to enhancing our streams, rivers, Lake Forsyth, our unique estuary and other waterways.
The large response we received from sports organisations to the draft plan indicates the strong role the Council plays in providing facilities for and fostering sport and recreation. QEII is one facility that has benefited from a large Council investment in recent years.
We’re planning now so we can avoid traffic congestion problems in the future. Feedback from the public to the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy is also shaping our thinking about the region’s future development, which includes transport issues.
Rising fuel prices is another reason why the use of public transport is expected to increase. We’re working with Environment Canterbury on the issues raised around the buses, including routes and dedicated bus lanes. We have set aside funding for a new bus exchange, given that the present exchange has reached capacity.
We have a wonderful community in Christchurch, in part due to the contribution of voluntary groups whose supporters help so much in enabling us to achieve our Community Outcomes. We have strong links with our migrant communities and welcome their contribution to the city’s vibrancy and cultural diversity.
The Council enjoys a strong working relationship with local Maori and continues to work at developing processes to provide for Maori to contribute to its decision-making processes.
The Council values the role you’ve all played in putting this draft plan together. We consulted with you and you told us clearly the sort of city you want. We are committed to ensuring that our city continues to be a great place to live, work and play. |
