Concerns over Hamilton's consultation document

Hamilton City Council. Photo / Tom Rowland

Hamilton's 10 year plan has gone out to the public, with concerns already raised over statements in the document.

The plan's public consultation document will be release today, followed by two months for submissions from the public and hearings before the council makes a final decision from June.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, councillor Angela O'Leary said that the current document did not present a fair representation of matters in the plan.

Throughout the document a sentence is repeated: "The 9.5 per cent rates increases proposed for the first two years of the draft 10-year plan are to ensure that everyday revenue is enough to pay for everyday costs, not to pay for new assets".

"The message that is in this document is do not worry about debt because there is no impact on rates, but there is," Ms O'Leary said.

Chief executive Richard Briggs asked staff to flag the statement and to ensure it was true.

Councillor Dave Macpherson was also unhappy with wording in the document around Hamilton's push for a fuel tax to ease pressure on ratepayers. He said that the statement in the consultation document makes it look like council has given up on pursuing a fuel tax.

"We have got just as much need for transport infrastructure to be funded by innovative ways as Auckland has," Mr Macpherson said.

"[The wording] is sort-of apologising and we will go along with the government's decision."

The council approved the document, calling on the public to have their say.

Councillor Paula Southgate said the pre consultation meetings have already given some signs that things will need to change in the final plan.

"I don't feel we have been truly interested in what the community sees the future of Hamilton is," Ms Southgate said.

"Hopefully they will feel empowered to talk to us."

Councillor Mark Bunting said the document had been painted fairly. "I would urge us now as councillors to think as ratepayers, rather than we need this money. Most importantly to think of the ratepayers."

Mayor Andrew King thanked the staff and chief executive for putting together the 10-year plan.

"Balancing our books, looking after what we have got and having a vision for the future is exactly what leadership is all about," Mayor King said.