"Over the past three years our Council placed a lot of emphasis on planning for the future. We were very aware of the pressures of growth the district was facing and really concerned that decisions that would have a long-term effect on the district were being made in an ad hoc manner. To change this pattern, we developed the District Growth Strategy, the Reserves Acquisition and Development Plan and have three Business Land Plan Changes underway.

Our focus now turns to making these plans reality. Our water and wastewater systems must be able to cope with growth in an environmentally sustainable manner. Roads and footpaths, pipes and stormwater drains must be built to a high standard, in conjunction with developers. Parks and recreation land must be purchased and developed to provide leisure-time opportunities for the growing population.

Please be assured that we haven’t forgotten the other key part of “getting it done”, the everyday business of Council. We will focus on providing excellent front line service. Repairs and maintenance to our roads and footpaths, rubbish collection, dog control and reasonable rate increases are equally important to the residents and ratepayers of Franklin, and you have our undertaking that we will continue to work on a process improving all of these functions and services.

Last, but not least, we want to hear from you. If your expectations are not being met, if you have an idea that you want to share, if you have a view on something we are working on, please talk to us. You don’t have to make a formal submission to be heard. Please talk to us if you see us around the district, pick up the phone and give one of us a call or drop us a line. We won’t promise to always agree with you, but we do promise to give you an open and honest hearing and a considered response."