Six hundred and counting.

The Ashburton District Council has already received over 600 submissions on its draft long-term plan (LTP), with a week left before the consultation window closes.

In the previous long-term plan process the council received 435 submissions.

Democracy and engagement group manager Toni Durham said by the end of Thursday the council had received 670 submissions on the LTP and 30 submissions on the EA Networks Centre 30-year masterplan.

“We’re delighted with the turnout to our in-person engagements and the conversation with the community.

“We think it’s probably a mixture of the engagement approach and the topics for discussion that have contributed to a higher rate of submissions.”

This draft plan is proposing a 9.9% average increase in rates for 2024/25.

The consultation is also focusing on five key topics – Green waste bins, EA Networks Stadium extension, $3m swimming pool spend, Balmoral Hall, and the future of stockwater.

A wide-ranging community engagement strategy involving around 30 public events will conclude with a sausage sizzle in Methven 10am and 2pm and a Talk it Tuesday session with councillors at Te Whare Whakatere on Tuesday.

Submissions then close on April 28.

Once processed, all the submissions will be summarised and prepared in a comprehensive report for the councillors.

Submitters wishing to speak to their submission will present in-person to council at hearings from May 13-16.

The council will then deliberate on all the feedback from May 20-23 and make any changes to the plan before it is adopted on June 26.

Meanwhile, Environment Canterbury received 1300 submissions on its draft long-term plan.

ECan’s draft plan proposes a 24.2% average rates increase next year with its proposals including increased spending on public transport, response to hazards, and biodiversity protection, he said.

Submission hearings are scheduled for April 29-30 and May 2-3 before the councillors deliberate on May 22-23 with a view to adopting the final plan at the end of June.

By Jonathan Leask