The Council has received 188 submissions on its Draft Annual Plan 2005/06 and associated Service Management Plan.

Submissions closed on May 30 and are now being analysed. Copies will be distributed to all councillors before the Strategy Committee meets on June 21, 23 and 24. This meeting is to hear submissions from people who have requested a hearing and to consider the written submissions.

On June 28-30 the Strategy Committee meets again to finalise the Annual Plan (at this stage most of the debate occurs and decisions are made). The final plan, incorporating any changes, will be adopted at a Council meeting immediately after the Strategy Committee meeting finishes.

All submitters and members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings to listen to submissions and hear the discussion. Details of the meeting times and venue will be advertised soon.

'Direct democracy' initiative a hit with Wanganui voters

Mayor Michael Laws has hailed the Council's first referendum as "an outstanding success".

The results of Wanganui Referendum '05 were released at a special function on Friday, June 3. Visit the referendum web site for details.

The referendum is part of a 'direct democracy' initiative that has been introduced by the new Council. The results will play a critical role in the Council's Annual Plan deliberations later this month.

More than 16,000 votes were received, representing 54.2 percent of the current electoral roll. The referendum turn-out exceeds both the average local body turn-out at the 2004 elections (49 percent) and the turn-out for the nationwide electoral reform referendum in 1992 (53 percent).

Referenda on representation issues and the Long-term Council Community Plan are planned for next year. These will include questions on establishing a soft water treatment plant for all Wanganui water and whether Wanganui's water supply should be fluoridated.

The following arrangements will be observed by the Council on Queen's Birthday Observance Day. You can contact us at any time by phoning 349 0001.

Municipal Office Building
Closed.

Recycling
The 'SaveMart' Wanganui Recycling Centre in Peat Street, opposite the netball courts, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to take your cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans and textiles. Free drop-off.

Information Centre
Open 9.00am to 3.00pm.

District Library
Closed.

Sarjeant Gallery
Open 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Whanganui Regional Museum
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm.

After hours services are listed in the telephone directory under 'Wanganui District Council'.

Parking Officer (part-time)
Applications close 10 June 2005

Parking Officer (fixed term to cover Parental Leave)
Applications close 10 June 2005

Frontline-Circulation Services Team Member - Library
Applications close 17 June 2005

The Wanganui District Council, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, is seeking public submissions on a proposal to establish a new Council Controlled Organisation Trust responsible for business development, District marketing and tourism.

The proposed Trust is tentatively known as Wanganui Inc. It would be formed by a merger of services currently offered through Enterprise Wanganui, Destination Wanganui and the Wanganui District Council's marketing capability. Wanganui District Council would retain some in-house capacity to provide policy advice on economic development issues.

A background paper on the proposal, plus the Statement of Intent, is available from the Council's Customer Services Desk, the District Library and on this page.

Submissions on the proposal can be made in the following ways:

• In writing to Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui
• By email
• Online

Submissions close on 10 June 2005.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Audit and Administration - Tuesday, June 7
- The Committee will receive updates on a number of financial issues, including the Added Assurance Report (an independent audit of the Council's finances and financial reporting), Audit Management Letter (a report from Audit New Zealand with responses from Council management), Finance Team action plan. The agenda also includes an Information Technology report; information about the appointment of Directors for Council Controlled Organisations; Wanganui Referendum '05 progress report; elected members and staff parking policy.

Environment - Wednesday, June 8
- Trees feature prominently on the Environment Committee's agenda, with items concerning a Kent Road gum tree; tree sculptures; Draft Tree Policy; tree removals and Electricity (Hazard from Trees) Regulations 2003, Contract 937 - tree maintenance. Other items on the agenda include Te Araroa - the long pathway; review of user charges for the cemetery and crematorium; City Marina repairs; defining "serious injury" in relation to dog attacks; rates for facilities on Council-owned land.

Community - Thursday, June 9
- The Community Committee's agenda includes a presentation from Netball Wanganui and discussion on the requirements for a policy for downsizing pensioner housing.

Economic - Tuesday, June 14
Works and Transport (Harbour) - Wednesday, June 15
Strategy - Thursday, June 16

Unless otherwise noted all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.