Western Bay prepares to say Hello...

Swimming pools, boat ramps, local halls – even cemeteries – all are part of the conversation that has started in the Western Bay about long term planning for the community.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has launched Hello Future District – a community conversation to help shape and deliver key projects and services across the District in the next decade.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber urges people across the District to get involved and have their say on a range of key topics, or everyday service, that Council provides.

Western Bay is one of the fastest growing districts in New Zealand. While this growth is positive for the local economy and delivers social and cultural benefits, a 10-year plan is necessary to ensure the District continues to be a great place to live.

"Whether it's the things that matter to you or what you think we should prioritise in your community over the next few years – it all counts. We need your ideas and thoughts to help shape the direction this plan takes," says Garry.

The Hello Future District campaign has an interactive website – www.hellofuturedistrict.co.nz - which features quick polls and background information on key topics, including swimming pools, boat ramps, local halls, libraries and dog exercise areas.

People can interact with the polls and have their say by swiping yes or no on the poll questions, or adding any comments they wish.

"We appreciate everyone is busy so these quick polls are designed to be just that. Quick. This is just one of many ways we plan to have a chat with the community," says Garry.

Feedback from the website will be used to help assess projects, activities and levels of service as part of next year's Long Term Plan. The outcomes of that feedback will be shared with the community.