We have drafted a submission on the New Plymouth District Council ('NPDC') Long Term Plan. Federated Farmers are concerned about the significant affect a 12% rates rise will have on farming businesses within the district. We are also concerned with the lack of transparency shown in the consultation document on who will fund the district's depreciating infrastructure, along with some of their frivolous spending on projects such as upgrading the Brooklands Zoo. We're supportive of council's proposal to extend rates remissions to SNAs scheduled in the proposed district plan. We are also urgently requesting that council amend their road-side spraying program to halt the proliferation of Yellow Bristle Grass.