Growth and the impacts of COVID-19 will bring pressures to the wider Franklin Local Board area, chair Andy Baker says, making a strong plan for the next three years critical.
“There are going to be challenges, so we need to focus on a path forward,” he says.
Launching the final consultation stage of the Franklin Local Board Plan, a document that outlines the board’s goals for the next three years, he urged residents to “Love Local” and be heard.
“It’s wrong to think of it as the board’s plan, it’s everyone’s because it has already been shaped by what people told us in earlier feedback sessions is most important to them.
“To succeed, people need to partner with us to shape the community. It’s time for residents and community groups to let us know if we have it right.”
By expressing opinions on the draft, additions can be made after feedback is considered and before the plan goes back to the board for adoption.
The plan has six key goals, called outcomes:
- Use our strengths to generate local opportunity and prosperity
- improved transport options
- fit for purpose places and facilities
- kaitiakitanga and protection of our environment
- cultural heritage and Māori identity is expressed in our communities
- belonging and participation.
“The environment is one of the things people have told us is most important. Nowhere in Auckland understands more about growing than Franklin, but the residential growth we are seeing is putting pressure on infrastructure and fertile soils, so this plan will help us protect our home.
“It calls for more trees in streets and parks, improved waterways, support for community-led planting and pest control, and safeguards for rural and horticultural land.
“Ultimately it is about measures to help us remain one of the greener parts of Auckland.”
He says uncertainty around the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will inevitably bring challenges, particularly from a budget perspective.
“But as we enter the recovery phase, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together.”
Have your say
To read the plan, check out where upcoming events are taking place, and for have your say information - go online to akhaveyoursay.nz/lovelocal. There is a message from the chair here [PDF].
Feedback to the draft plan closes 13 August.
