Franklin is set to benefit from a multi-million 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 Deputy Mayor and Franklin Ward Councillor Bill Cashmore for helping me deliver this 10-year Budget and the largest ever investment in our region’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Goff.
Planned investment for Franklin over the next 10 years includes:
- Electrification of the Pukekohe to Papakura train line and purchase of new carriages
- $100 million of funding from the Regional Fuel Tax for the Mill Road Corridor to address congestion and safety issues to allow the road to be an effective key route for interregional freight movements while taking pressure off the Southern Motorway
- $90 million of regional funding to address issues with the impact of climate change on coastal areas, and the creation of a $20 million regional response fund for reactive storm damage
- $4.3 million for regional grants and $3.7 million for surf lifesaving.
Deputy Mayor and Franklin Ward Councillor Bill Cashmore says it’s pleasing to see Franklin receive a significant amount of investment from the 10-year Budget.
“Franklin is not only one of Auckland’s largest wards, but also one of its most important, so it’s great to see there will be ongoing funding into renewing and upgrading our public amenities and transport infrastructure.
“This region may contain some of Auckland's best-kept secrets for tourists and visitors alike, but it’s heartening Auckland Council hasn’t overlooked the funding needs of this area.”
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.
