Manurewa-Papakura is set to receive a multi-million dollar investment boost in transport, public facilities and future development as a result of Auckland Council’s newly agreed 10-year Budget.
The council agreed on capital projects of $26 billion in its 10-year 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.
“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,” 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.”
Planned investment for the Manurewa-Papakura ward over the next 10 years includes:
- $100 million of funding 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
- $225 million for an accelerated road safety program
- $4.3 million for regional grants and a boost in funding for the biennial Sculpture in the Gardens event at Auckland Botanic Gardens.
The establishment of a $100 million Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund would also benefit locals.
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.
