Manukau is set to receive a significant investment in public facilities, future development and transport as a result of Auckland Council’s newly agreed 10-year Budget.
The council agreed on its $26 billion budget on Thursday, which sets out a historic level of investment in Auckland, with transport infrastructure, environmental initiatives and other projects in line for funding to keep pace with Auckland’s growth.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, “This is fantastic news for Auckland, beginning 10 years of transformative work that tackles the critical issues of transport congestion and protecting our environment.
“These issues have sat in the too hard basket for too long, but not anymore. This council has taken responsibility for delivering a better Auckland that will over time have a more efficient and effective transport network, more houses, cleaner water and a healthier environment."
“I want to thank Councillors Alf Filipaina and Fa'anana Efeso Collins for helping deliver this 10-year Budget and the largest ever investment in our region’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Goff.
Planned investment for Manukau over the next 10 years includes:
- Improved public transport access to Auckland Airport access – particularly enhanced bus services to the Airport
- A new high-quality bus/rail interchange at Puhinui Station
- The establishment of a $100 million Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund
- Investment in water quality that will address wastewater overflows, pollution from road run-off and sedimentation. This fund will be used to clean up Otara Lake.
- $60.3 million invested to “Transform Manukau” to be an attractive visitor destination with a strong resident population and to be a desirable and innovative place to do business.
Manukau Ward Councillor Fa’anana Efeso Collins is pleased by the range of investments being made around the ward.
He says the much-needed upgrades to infrastructure could help unlock south Auckland’s potential.
“We have worked really hard to ensure south Auckland’s needs were addressed and our voice was heard, so it is encouraging to see the level of investment going into our area.
“The funding for Transform Manukau will ensure this area becomes south Auckland’s hub for jobs, housing and public facilities. It’s also good to see that there will be some improvements made to transport links around our region, particularly to the airport which is such a key driver for employment.”
The final 10-year Budget will be approved on 28 June
Key decisions made:
- Largest ever council transport investment of $12 billion over the next 10 years (including $4.3 billion from leveraging the Regional Fuel Tax).
- Cleaning up Auckland’s waterways and beaches with new investment of $452 million in stormwater infrastructure through a water quality targeted rate.
- Protecting kauri and our native flora and fauna with an additional $311 million from a natural environment targeted rate to fund pest and disease control.
- Adapting to climate change and protecting communities with the establishment of a $40 million Climate Change Response Fund and an additional $90 million for coastal asset management.
- Investing in sports and culture by establishing a contestable fund of $120 million for sports and recreation facilities and an additional $20 million funding for the Auckland Art Gallery.
- Delivering improved social outcomes with the expansion of The Southern Initiative into west Auckland to increase employment and life skills for young Aucklanders and $475,000 to help Auckland City Mission redevelop its Hobson Street site.
- Restricting the average general rate rise to 2.5 per cent for this term of council and continuing the Value for Money programme of section 17a reviews and a new corporate property strategy saving $117 million to deliver efficiency and effectiveness at the council.
