Waitākere is set to receive an investment boost for the environment, 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 a fantastic day for Auckland, beginning ten 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.
“Waitākere will be one of the principal beneficiaries of this investment and I want to thank Councillors Cooper and Hulse for helping us get to this point.”
Planned investment for Waitākere over the next 10 years includes:
Transport projects:
- Lincoln Road corridor improvements
- Funding from the Regional Fuel Tax, including for a park and ride programme for the Westgate area
- A walking and cycling programme for areas including Henderson and Te Atatū
- Transport infrastructure to support growth
- Electric trains.
Other projects:
- $14.1 million for local board initiatives
- $200,000 for a Massey youth facility
- $300,000 for Massey Domain and Moire Park sports field upgrades
- $900,000 for Te Pai netball court improvements
- $63 million for open space acquisition
- $15.4 million for Panuku Developments Auckland’s Unlock Henderson plan
- $500,000 for the Glen Eden town centre plan
- $5 million for the Western Initiative, a programme of social investment to improve job and life skills in west Auckland.
Waitākere Ward Councillor Penny Hulse says the final budget is a win for the environment.
“We wanted to make sure the spending on the environment was visible in the budget so that people could see how the money would be used and to enable them to give considered feedback. There was a huge amount of support out there to really tackle the environmental challenges we face.”
“Thank you west Auckland! Biodiversity, kauri dieback and weed control will all benefit from the funding.”
Western Initiative created
“We’ve also allocated $5 million to create the Western Initiative. This will be a programme to support our communities to create jobs and promote economic development to support our young people, poorer communities and to help revitalise our town centres. Working with the amazing community networks and organisations out west, as well as ATEED and central government, I know that we will see some fantastic change in people’s lives.”
“It’s also great that Henderson will continue on the path to regeneration with $15.4 million allocated to Panuku’s Unlock Henderson plan.”
Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper says the budget delivers funding for some important areas.
“The west, and particularly the west coast, was hit hard by a storm in April. But the west is resilient; people pulled together to get through. To assist with future contingencies, we’ve allocated $40 million to deal with coastal responses to climate change damage and emergencies, and $90 million for coastal management plans and capital works.”
“I’ve also been strongly advocating to support Surf Lifesaving Northern Region. They do outstanding work – they save lives! We’ve allocated $3.7 million to them for the development and renewal of facilities, including at North Piha.”
“The fuel tax will provide the funds to upgrade and unlock congestion on Lincoln Road for all modes of transport, which is desperately needed. For the northwestern motorway, I will continue to advocate for the most cost-effective and quickest way to implement public transport along this route. I believe that solution is a dedicated busway.”
Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Shane Henderson says, “Our board will continue to advocate for another pool in our area. We’ve received funding to develop a business case, so that’s a start but there is still more to do.”
“It’s good to see our sports facilities at Massey Domain, Moire Park and Te Pai netball courts getting funding for upgrades. With the second highest local board population, we need to provide good facilities for our growing number of residents.”
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says, “Improving Glen Eden’s town centre has long been a priority for our board. I hope the funding to develop a business case will kick-start this process. The consultation confirmed a real desire to improve the Glen Eden township to get it ready for the changes that are already happening. Our board intends to continue to work to make plans for improvement a reality.”
“There are huge environmental issues in our board area so I am glad to see that council has passed the higher environmental targeted rate to help fight kauri dieback and other plant and animal pests, as well as the targeted rate to address water quality – Auckland needs this investment.”
Both councillors and local board chairs wish to thank everyone who provided feedback on the budget.
The final 10-year Budget will be approved on 28 June.
Key decisions:
- 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 by establishing 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 by creating the Western Initiative with $5 million 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.
