Following the feedback on Franklin Local Board’s priorities for the upcoming financial year and the consultation on the Regional Land Transport plan, Franklin’s communities highlighted transport, environmental issues and initiatives that empower residents as their priorities.
Franklin Local Board Chair Angela Fulljames says these priorities will be the board’s focus, as outlined in the Franklin Local Board Agreement for 2018/2019.
“Franklin’s communities are clear that transport is the priority issue and so we will continue to advocate for improved transport choices and roading improvements.”
Another priority for the local board is to support recreation and community facilities and part of that has been to advocate for the development of the Karaka Sports Park.
Fulljames says the board is committed to supporting community-generated projects from events, arts, unique services and environmental projects that help create social connections, pride in place and well-being for Franklin residents.
“As part of our priority to support community participation in helping to shape people’s quality of life, we are going to be investing in the Waiuku, Pohutukawa Coast and Pukekohe trails, and in outdoor spaces and community facilities that cater for growth, like the Karaka Sports Park.”
Much work has been done and more to come
The board will also be building on what was already achieved in the last 12 months.
Fulljames says there have been a number of successful projects from the last year and the board is committed to ensuring these initiatives continue.
“We said that we wanted to enhance, protect and maintain our natural environment, so we have funded waterways protection and restoration initiatives across the region."
“We wanted to strengthen our local economy, so we have invested in skills development programmes targeting youth and refreshed our Local Economic Development Action Plan for 2019 and beyond.
“And we have continued to work toward better public transport and safer roads, advocating for accelerated delivery of transport infrastructure and the implementation of road safety initiatives.”
The board has also supported hundreds of community projects and events over the past year through grants, funding or partnerships.
“In the most recent grants round, we approved for over $250,000 to be distributed back into the community for projects and initiatives that local people have advocated for and we will continue to do this work in the coming year.”
