North Shore residents are urged to help shape the future of their communities by having their say on Auckland Council’s proposed 10-year Budget - now open for public feedback.
This Recovery Budget sets out the activities, services and investments that the council will deliver to help Auckland to build back better over the next decade (2021-2031) from the impacts of COVID-19.
On the shore, ward Councillor Richard Hills says that with our dramatically reduced revenue we have had to find significant savings and delay some important projects while at the same time providing the services that our residents expect and enjoy, as well as investing in record levels of infrastructure.
Despite our reduced revenue he is pleased the proposed budget ramps up actions and initiatives to address Auckland’s climate change challenges and provides additional investment for projects, such as track improvements to mitigate kauri dieback disease, to progress as planned.
“This includes stopping the purchase of diesel buses and making at least 50 per cent of our bus fleet zero emissions by 2030, planting 200 hectares of native forest, planting 11,000 mature trees in urban areas, and doubling the number community recycling centres.
“The proposed budget also ramps up our investment in water quality upgrades, such as Te Ara Awataha (Northcote Greenway) and improving water quality in and around the Wairau estuary.”
Councillor Richard Hills says the proposal aims to address what locals love about living in the area as well as some of the much-needed improvements in transport options.
“We’ve seen locally how investment in environmental projects can make a big difference. For example, the safe networks investigation and water quality improvements at Takapuna Beach, or the substantial track upgrades and new cleaning stations which allow people to enjoy Le Roys Bush and other local parks, while protecting our native taonga for future generations.
“As our city grows, it is vital we continue to deliver a transport system that will gives us more options and reduce our emissions. This budget proposes additional transport investment across the region including increasing public transport services, funding safety projects and larger projects such as the Lake/Esmonde Road upgrade project.”
Focus on local priorities
Meanwhile, Devonport-Takapuna and Kaipātiki local boards have also set out their priorities for 2021/2022 as well as the projects and initiatives they will champion for inclusion in the 10-year Budget.
“Our natural environment is one of the most defining aspects of living in Kaipātiki, and so our proposals have a strong focus on our environmental programmes including kauri dieback disease mitigation, and investment into our parks, playgrounds and open spaces,” says Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon.
“However, we know that much of what our community would like us to do is beyond the funding that the local board will receive in the 'recovery budget', so one of the things that we are asking our community is whether or not they would support us investigating a local targeted rate to help address either the flooding at Little Shoal Bay; advancing the multi-sport facility at Birkenhead War Memorial Park; or improving walking and cycling links across Kaipātiki."
Read proposed priorities for Kaipātiki Local Board
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Aidan Bennett says it is committed to providing what its communities and local businesses need to recover and grow stronger, with the environment also being a strong focus.
“We will work with council staff, community organisations and volunteers to encourage the delivery projects that improve water quality, as well as protect and enhance our natural environment and native habitats.
“We also recognise that transport issues impact many in the community. We will advocate for funding towards projects that help ease our roads and improve public transport services and infrastructure. We will also seek to move forward projects that result in safer walkways and cycle paths.”
Read proposed priorities for Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
Background
The following are just some of what is proposed. Please take the time to read the full documents to help inform your feedback.
- The budget proposes a one-off 5 per cent general rates increase in the first year of the budget, then reduce to a 3.5 per cent on average increase in subsequent years
- An estimated shortfall in revenue of $540 million between now and 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – bringing the cumulative total to around $1 billion since the start of the pandemic.
- Investing $150 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the impacts of climate change.
- $145m of funding for Watercare, invest $54m into stormwater and $65m into upgrading some of our ageing but much-loved community facilities over the next three years.
How to have your say
You can find out more of these in detail in the consultation document and supporting information, which includes videos and information in several languages at akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget where you can:
- Make an online submission and find out other ways to have your say
- Find out about local events to talk with elected members in person, and a series of online webinars.
- Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is hosting a hearing style have your say event on Tuesday 9 March from 6pm. Email the board to book your speaking slot.
- Kaipatiki Local Board has a drop-in session on 13 March, 10am-1pm at Little Shoal Bay Reserve and a hearing event on 17 March from 6pm. Email the board to book a speaking slot at the hearing.
Documents are also available at your local library.
Submissions close 22 March 2021.
