27 Apr 2015

Asset sales concern for Chch residents

10:39 am on 27 April 2015

Asset sales are the number one issue among the 1000 people who have so far handed in submissions on the Christchurch City Council's Long Term Plan.

Christchurch

Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Submissions are being accepted until 28 April on the document, which is proposing $750 million worth of asset sales and a 28 percent rates rise over the next three years.

A council spokesperson said after asset sales, the second most popular issue is the proposed rates rises, followed by cycleways.

Last week, a group of Labour-aligned councillors put forward an alternative budget that recommended scaling back asset sales in favour of cost savings by delaying projects such as a new stadium.

Future of council-owned golf club uncertain

Supporters of a council-owned golf club in Christchurch's eastern suburbs said they could run the 18-hole course themselves.

The Christchurch City Council is proposing to shut the course to save $200,000 in operating costs, and $2 million in capital expenditure.

It said the club's membership is too low to justify the expense.

The club's president, Mene Mene, said it had submitted a business plan to the council that showed it can be maintained by volunteers at no cost to the council.

He says the club had great support from the community and local businesses.

Mr Mene said the club wanted to boost its youth membership so it can apply for money from public charities, and it may look at increasing its fees.