Public feedback collated for Rotorua Lakes Council's proposed 2018-28 Long-term Plan

The Rotorua Lakefront is pegged for redevelopment in the Long-term Plan. Photo / File

More than 1000 individuals, groups and organisations have provided feedback on Rotorua Lakes Council's proposed 2018-28 Long-term Plan.

The plan will set out the work and projects to be undertaken in the next 10 years and how that will be funded.

"It's been great to see the level of interest and engagement during the consultation period," Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said.

"As elected members we put forward a draft plan that has a strong focus on investing in community facilities and infrastructure for both the present and future. The big question for the community has really been about whether they agree we need to invest in the future as well as the present."

The 2018-28 Long-term Plan will continue the direction of the district's 2030 vision and the refresh of the vision, The Rotorua Way, which established the next chapter in the district's progress.

Consultation ran from April 5 to last Friday with a variety of ways for people to give feedback, including online, via email, quick forms and a variety of meetings, forums and workshops.

Information stalls were also held throughout the consultation period at events, local markets and at project-specific sites.

All feedback will now be collated and reported back to elected members to help guide decision-making to finalise the Long-term Plan.

"There was a very thorough process involved in development of the draft plan with a big emphasis on investing in community facilities and infrastructure," Chadwick said.

"We had some really good conversations with people from across the district during consultation, including people from our lakes and rural areas, young people, business people, iwi and others."

The proposed LTP includes a focus on improving existing facilities such as the Aquatic Centre, Rotorua Museum and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and investing in infrastructure projects such as wastewater schemes and stormwater and water supply network improvements.

Proposals also include three ''big moves'' projects to improve Rotorua's Lakefront, Kuirau Park and forest access and facilities.

Feedback received as at midday April 13*
• Feedback from more than 450 individuals and organisations via Let's Talk, quick (sticker) forms, email and one video submission about the skate park.
• Feedback from 272 young people via 18 youth workshops and forums.
• 340 people gave verbal feedback to elected members at 15 meetings.
• More than 1000 people visited info stands.
*Figures are approximates

What happens now?
• All feedback to be collated and put to elected members for deliberations, starting today. • Elected members will make final decisions following deliberations and the final plan will be adopted on June 26.
• The 2018/19 financial year, which begins July 1 2018, will be year one of the 10-year Long-term Plan.