Howick is set to receive a $201 million funding from the regional fuel tax to develop an integrated multi-modal transport system to support the population and economic growth in east Auckland as a result of Auckland Council’s newly agreed 10-year Budget.
“This was a fantastic day for Auckland beginning 10 years of transformative work that tackles the critical issues of transport congestion and protecting our environment,” says Mayor Phil Goff.
“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 our councillors for helping deliver this 10-year Budget and the largest ever investment in our region’s infrastructure,” says Mayor Goff.
Transport projects that total $201 million to receive funding from the regional fuel tax include:
- Panmure to Pakuranga busway
- Pakuranga bus station and Reeves road flyover
- Ti Rakau busway
- Botany bus station and park and ride.
Councillor welcomes funding for community assets and coastal protection
Howick Ward Councillor Sharon Stewart voted against the fuel tax as a mechanism for funding transport initiatives but agrees the listed projects are important for the area and need to be progressed.
However, she has welcomed investment to enhance parks, sports fields and community facilities in the ward.
“Howick is blessed with green spaces, beautiful views and coastline. It’s no surprise that locals like to get out and walk, cycle and play sport, so I have always maintained we need to keep investing in facilities that promote these activities.”
As chair of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Committee, she is pleased to see money allocated to protecting the region’s coastal structures ($90m over 10 years) and a Climate Change Response Fund ($40m over 10 years), which will help improve emergency infrastructure repair work following weather events, including non-coastal slips.
“In our ward, coastal erosion is a real concern and we have seen major slips in places like Mangemangeroa Reserve. It is great news that we have recognised the need to prioritise funding to help preserve and repair our coastline,” says Cr Stewart.
The final 10-year Budget will be approved on 28 June.
