Devonport-Takapuna Local Board wants to hear what residents and community groups think of its new draft local board plan, a plan for supporting its communities over the coming three years.
“We’ve developed a new draft plan based on what we’ve been told us is important to our residents and community groups. Now, we need to hear back to confirm we’ve got it right,” says Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair, Aidan Bennett.
The new draft plan features six key outcomes, related objectives, and specific proposed initiatives that the board is seeking feedback on.
Have your say
To read the plan, check out where upcoming events are taking place, and have your say - go online to akhaveyoursay.nz/lovelocal
Feedback to the draft plan closes 13 August, 2020.
“Improving water quality is a priority in this plan,” says Bennett.
“Our community has made it loud and clear that they want clean beaches, waterways and a healthy Lake Pupuke. As a board, we are unanimous on this and will be advocating for swift progress from Auckland Council.”
The draft local board plan also outlines continued protection and enhancement of the area’s natural assets, built heritage, and cultural taonga.
“We want to ensure our parks, facilities and open spaces meet the recreation and social needs of current and future generations,” says Bennett.
“We also aim to do better going forward in understanding, embracing, and celebrating our area’s unique Maori values and history.”
Attaining affordable and efficient public transport, safer roads, cycle lanes, and improved footpaths and walkways remains an ongoing priority for the board in the new draft plan.
“We are committed to working with Auckland Transport and our ward councillors to improve public transport services and roading infrastructure, including delivering effective solutions for the congested Lake Road corridor,” says Bennett.
“Our plan also recognises that thriving town centres and businesses rely on this to play an important part in our lives, providing opportunities to enhance our lifestyles through work, quality shopping, and play.”
“We will continue to work with Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development and our Business Improvement Districts of Devonport, Takapuna and Milford to support recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and ensure progress to becoming even more vibrant town centres that cater for generations to come.”
Given current financial uncertainties pertaining to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on council’s finances, the board is acutely aware of the importance of gaining feedback on what residents and groups view as the most critical and urgent priorities for the area.
“This draft plan was formulated during one of our country’s most challenging periods in history. The global pandemic will have far reaching and lasting impacts on communities across the world, including in ours.
“We are not yet in a position to fully understand what this will mean for our ability to deliver on the services and projects contemplated in this plan.
“We will continue to review the situation and will reflect changes the best we can when the final version is adopted later this year.”
Have your say
To read the plan, check out where upcoming events are taking place, the different ways to have your say and to make a submission go online to akhaveyoursay.nz/lovelocal Click on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board tile.
Feedback to the draft plan closes 13 August, 2020.
