21 August 2007

Riccarton-Wigram City Council candidate Tony Milne today supported 2021 Mayoral Candidate Megan Woods position of capping expenditure on a new civic building to a maximum of $60 million and strengthening local service centres.

Tony in front of the Sockburn Service Centre "I've listened to our community and they do not want to spend $100 million or more on a grandiose Civic Palace as favoured by some Councillors. It's not needed and not supported by the community", Tony Milne said.

A Christchurch 2021 Council will cap expenditure at $60 million a saving to ratepayers of at least $40 million.

2021 Mayoral Candidate Megan Woods said: "It can be done and two cost effective options must now be reconsidered including strengthening and refurbishment of the present building or a new building on an adjacent site. Under a 2021 Council management would be instructed to comply with a capped budget and to report back on options for a more modest no nonsense Civic Office re-development".

A 2021 Council will also better utilise existing service centres. Staff working within the community could more effectively be based at service centres closer to the public. The Sockburn Service Centre has been identified as a community facility which could play a greater role.

"If elected Megan Woods has high expectations of her Council and I am committed to meeting those expectations", Tony Milne said.

Instead of sitting around the Councillors Lounge, Councillors will be required to spend more time at service centres, being more visible and accessible to their community.

Contact: Tony Milne on 021 59 32 59
2021 Council candidate for Riccarton Wigram