More than 400 people have shared their views on Invercargill City Council’s Roadmap for Our People – our draft plan and budget for the next 10 years.

Consultation on the draft Long Term Plan 2024-34 drew 448 submissions between 29 March and 2 April.

A range of community engagement sessions and public events were held across Invercargill and Bluff so people could hear more about the draft plan, ask questions and prepare their submissions.

Mayor Nobby Clark said hearing from the local community about the big projects, activities and services they want their Council to deliver was important when it came to making decisions.

“We’re here to serve our community and make decisions that reflect how they want to see their district managed. It’s wonderful to have received such a strong response to our draft Long-term Plan and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Obviously there are some big decisions to be made for the future and I know that, like us, our residents are all dealing with increases in the cost of living. So getting the balance right between delivering the projects and services the community wants, with keeping rates down as much as possible, is always a challenge.

“I want to assure our community that we are listening closely to all feedback and we’ll consider every submission made before we make our final decisions.”

The draft plan outlined the progress made on delivering Council’s Roadmap to Renewal, including work on Te Unua Museum of Southland, and updates to future plans including Urban Play and an additional swimming pool at Splash Palace, as well as consideration for the future of art in the city centre.

Manager Strategy, Policy and Engagement Rhiannon Suter said the feedback was now being collated ahead of final decisions being made.