Since economic recovery and regeneration is a priority, the council intends to continue its work with Project Kōkiri on economic recovery. The council has proposed “a reorientation of our social funding” to reduce social isolation, housing vulnerability and poverty to help in the social recovery of the region, and has bumped up its capital works programme to boost employment. That programme, among other expected expenses over the next 10 years, is projected to have a significant effect on the council’s debt levels. By 2031, debt is projected to be $291 million. The works will be fulfilling another of the eight key highlights – infrastructure renewal. The proposal in the LTP is for the council to invest $491m on “essential infrastructure” such as transport, water supply, wastewater and flood protection.