Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

This week I've asked Otumoetai/Pyes Pa Ward councillor Bev Edlin to provide her thoughts on the year ahead.

Thanks Matt, 2015 is already presenting some interesting challenges for TCC councillors.

As we look towards the Long Term Plan we should reflect on the work achieved in the first year of this new council: a time when a number of key initiatives were advanced.

A few projects, like the University Campus and the Greerton Library, had been on the table for some years.

Other projects, such as the Marine Precinct, Route K and the newly functioning night shelter are of interest to differing sectors.

Whereas lowering the debt ratio, a promise many of the incoming councillors campaigned on, has also been achieved with the debt ratio dropping from around 244 per cent early in our term to 215 per cent in December 2014. Once Route K changes hand over, the ratio will drop even further.

There are of course other initiatives that have been advanced aimed to improve the services the council offers and many will already be obvious to those employing the services.

Now with a solid platform in place the councillors are turning their attention to 2015 and beyond.

Tauranga, as one of this country's growing cities, is already raising some interesting challenges to be considered, debated and an agreed strategy implemented.

During the next few years some 1400 houses will be built under the Housing Accord. Tauriko is already attracting new industry and as it develops the rate of growth could accelerate.

Recreation and sport facilities are also on the agenda as is arts and culture. Growth, however, is not a self-funding initiative but the upside is that it brings additional benefits.

Continually mindful of managing growth with building a vibrant city that will provide residents with an infrastructure that meets the needs of most is our aim.

You could say it's somewhat an ambitious dream but continuously conducting reality checks across our work is all part of the plan.

How can you be part of this process? We're currently shaping the LTP which will go out for consultation during April.

That's the time for you to consider the planned initiatives and make much welcomed comment. That way we can make a difference and all enjoy the best Tauranga can deliver.

You can contact Bev Edlin by emailing bev.edlin@tauranga.govt.nz or by calling her on 07 579 4714.