The Ōrākei ward area is set to receive significant investment in transport, public facilities and future development because of Auckland Council’s newly agreed 10-year Budget.
The council agreed 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 a fantastic day 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 Councillor Simpson for helping deliver this 10-year Budget and the largest ever investment in our region’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Goff.
Planned investment for the Ōrākei Ward over the next 10 years
Transport projects:
- Ōrākei shared path
- Tamaki Drive resilience investigation
- Completion of Tamaki Drive / Ngapipi Road safety improvements
Other projects:
- $6.2 million for local board initiative funding
- $27.3 million for asset renewals
- $2 million sports field development at Colin Maiden and Shore Road
- $2.5 million Ōrākei walkway development
- $3 million Meadowbank Community Centre
- $600,000 completion of sports fields at Madill’s Farm and Michaels Reserve.
Ōrākei Councillor Desley Simpson says, “I have worked really hard to ensure Ōrākei gets a higher level of investment in the coming decade than we have had previously. My vote on issues consulted on has also reflected our ward's feedback.
"I am very pleased that, for the first time, Ōrākei Local Board’s key project, the shared pathway connection to the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive path at Gowing Drive, is included in the first three years of the Long-term Plan.
"This along with other investment in our community centres, parks and sporting facilities will be of great benefit to residents of our ward. Investing back into our community ensures the Ōrākei area will grow and thrive, as will the wider Auckland community.”
Councillor Simpson welcomed the investment announcement and looking ahead was committed to ensuring Ōrākei continues to grow and prosper.
The final 10-year Budget will be approved on 28 June.
Key decisions made:
- 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.
- Cleaning up Auckland’s waterways and beaches with new investment of $452 million in stormwater infrastructure through a water quality targeted rate.
- 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.
- Restricting the average general rate rise to 2.5 per cent for this term of council and continuing Value for Money programme of section 17a reviews and a new corporate property strategy saving $117 million to deliver efficiency and effectiveness at council.
