Rodney is set to receive a multi-million dollar investment in transport, public facilities and future development 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 Councillor Greg Sayers for helping deliver this 10-year Budget and the largest-ever investment in our region’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Goff.
Planned investment for Rodney over the next 10 years includes:
- Park and Ride Programme – Kumeū area
- Matakana Link Road
- Various growth-related transport projects
- $8.1 million for local board initiative funding
- $49.5 million for park asset renewals
- $800,000 for the Kowhai Reserve walkway and walkway developments
- $500,000 for upgrading Huapai sport fields.
Rodney Ward Cr Greg Sayers says, “This investment is a good start for Rodney but it’s vital that Rodney is able to catch up with the rest of Auckland. A lot of money is needed given the history of underinvestment.
“Many of our roads are in a sorry state. I am really pleased that road sealing is a focus in the Regional Land Transport Programme. Road safety is a strong emphasis and ongoing improvements to both rural and urban roads are extremely important.
“Our next focus must be to bring public transport to townships that don’t have buses, establishing park and ride facilities and getting connecting bus services to park and rides.
“This budget is the first important step as it indicates to our community how council will deliver these important projects going forward.”
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 Value for Money programme of section 17a reviews and a new corporate property strategy saving $117 million to deliver efficiency and effectiveness at council.
