David Mortimore Community Sport Team Leader Sport Bay of Plenty

During the next few months, across the Bay of Plenty, local councils' annual plans will be open for submissions.

A core part of this process is public consultation, whereby every year you have the opportunity to be involved.

Both the annual plans and long-term plans are key tools for councils to enable them to set out priorities and work programmes. They outline everything a council plans to do, how it fits together and what it costs.

The upcoming consultation is an opportunity for local people to have their say in local decision-making, as it is important to know what your local council is planning for sport and recreation in your community.

If you don't make your opinions known, councils will presume you support their plans for your sport. It's not always something that's given consideration, but councils are major providers of sports and recreation facilities – and without them much of what happens in the sport sector would simply not be possible. We encourage you to consider getting more involved in council planning by submitting to your council's annual plan process.

If you have an infrastructure request, or a project you'd like your local council's support for, then Sport Bay of Plenty encourages your organisation to make a submission on the key issues facing it in respect to council's activities and services.

Every person who lodges a written submission on time is entitled to a written acknowledgement and an opportunity to attend a hearing and speak to his or her submission.

Some things to consider when making your submission:

• Ensure your submission is about an issue council is responsible for.
• State what your topic is and where it fits into councils plans. If your submission relates directly to a particular point in existing plans, state the page and quote the comment.
• Provide evidence of need that is quantified and verifiable.
• Outline the benefits to your city or district (for example, participation and hosting events).
• Show you have given consideration to alternative options (for example, partnering and/or multi-use).
• Give evidence of your organisation's capability and financial sustainability.
• Make sure you emphasise how your idea will benefit the wider community.
• Use headings and/or bullet points – it makes your points clearer.

Well-prepared and widely-supported public submissions do make a difference. Sport Bay of Plenty can assist you with preparing submissions. Contact us on 07 578 0016. Details on how and when you can make submissions are published on council websites or are available at council offices.