Councillor for Waitematā and Gulf Pippa Coom is urging Aucklanders to have a say on Auckland Council’s 10-year Recovery Budget.
Critical to the region’s recovery from the impacts COVID-19, the Recovery Budget proposes the assets and services that Auckland Council will provide over the next 10-years and how it will pay for them.
A drop in Auckland Council’s revenue because of the pandemic will impact the next three years, with a predicted $540 million revenue shortfall between now and 2024 – around $1 billion since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
Councillor Coom says that Auckland Council is committed to careful financial management and savings while maintaining the services that Aucklanders rely on and supporting the region’s economic recovery.
“This is a challenging time for all of us and the impact is felt locally, but we can’t just return to ‘business as usual’.
“This is our collective opportunity to build back better, to create jobs and to think long-term for future generations and the health of our environment.
“To make the best decisions, we need to know what you think about the challenges we’re facing, locally and as a region.
“Transport improvements, protecting waterways and our natural environment, investment in infrastructure, action on climate change, community centres and libraries, and the level of rates we pay – tell us what’s important to you and your community, and how you think we should pay for it, so that we can prioritise over the next 10-years,” says Councillor Coom.
Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey is also urging Aucklanders to give feedback on the proposed budget and says that the Board is advocating for a number of key issues across Waitematā.
“We want to see our community facilities like libraries and Studio One maintained, the restoration of the Leys Institute buildings and the creation of the long-planned Ponsonby Park at 254 Ponsonby Road.
“We’re also calling for our local beaches, waterways and Hobson Bay to be cleaned up quickly, transport and road safety projects and real action on climate change.
“We know that residents across Waitematā are passionate about these issues and more,” says Chair Northey.
“We urge you to make your voice heard on the future of our city and your local community. Please have your say on the Recovery Budget,” says Councillor Coom and Chair Northey.
Have your say
Public feedback is now open until 22 March 2021.
Aucklanders can have their say in a variety of ways including at in-person events and online.
For more information visit akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget
