With thousands more homes planned for Auckland’s north over the next 10-20 years, the council is developing a plan to support job growth to match the needs of new communities.
The Silverdale West Dairy Flat Industrial Area Structure Plan sets aside sufficient land to provide up to 10,000 jobs from light industry and business development, enabling people to both live and work locally.
The plan is open for public feedback until 28 April and details how the environment can be protected at the same time as commercial development is introduced. It also covers essential transport needs to service the area, including various travel choices, cycleways and walkways and motorway connections.
Commenting on the importance of supplying local jobs, Hibiscus and Bay Local Board Chair Julia Parfitt said: “We must strive to provide employment close to where people live. Long commutes place a huge, unproductive strain on both people's quality of life and our transport infrastructure."
Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker said he understands the potential for growth in this area, along with the importance getting the planning right.
“It is vitally important that with any development we maintain environmental safeguards to protect our significant ecological areas, particularly our local streams and rivers.
Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers agrees and urges people to make time to give feedback on the draft structure plan.
“It’s important for people to have their say on the transformation of this area, so make sure you give feedback on your views and suggestions.”
From 25 March, information on the draft structure plan and ways to give feedback is available on aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay
You can also visit one of two drop-in sessions at Dairy Flat Hall,6 Postman Road, Dairy Flat on Saturday 6 April (10am - 12 noon) and Wednesday 10 April (5.30pm - 7.30pm).
Planners will be available at these sessions to answer questions on the plan’s proposals.
Public feedback will be analysed, and the draft plan amended where considered necessary, prior to the council’s adoption of a final plan later in the year.
