Auckland Councill is now seeking feedback on the 10-year Budget, what’s important to you, and how to pay for it.
Howick Ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Paul Young are calling on everyone to have their say and give feedback on the most important 10-year Budget for our city.
Councillor Stewart says, “We need to hear what the community is concerned about, what their hopes and aspirations are for this city.
“Auckland Council has an important economic recovery role and will continue to invest in infrastructure, which creates jobs and long-term assets.
“COVID-19 has impacted revenue from Ports of Auckland, public transport, regulatory services, conventions and stadiums, and Auckland International Airport all tipped to fall.”
A revenue drop will impact the next three years, with a $540 million revenue shortfall between now and 2024 – around $1 billion since the pandemic. The council is committed to prudent financial management and savings, while maintaining services Aucklanders rely on and supporting the region’s economic recovery.
Councillor Young agrees. “While the effects of COVID-19 have impacted Auckland Council’s balance sheet, it has not changed the urgent need for investment in the East to meet our growing population.
“We need to improve our transport options for East Aucklanders. We also want to make sure we invest enough in the facilities that provide vital spaces and services to the community, such as our libraries, parks, sports fields and recreation centres.
“There is so much to be done across the region, and with limited resource, we want to make sure East Auckland receives the necessary support to keep it moving.
“The proposed budget package delivers record investment in the infrastructure of $31 billion over 10 years. A few examples of this investment for the East include the continuation of the key transport projects such AMETI Eastern Busway, route protection for the Airport to Botany rapid transit project, and bringing forward infrastructure projects to improve water quality for East Auckland beaches.
“We also need to step up Auckland Council’s climate response so that we are on track to meet our region’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“The proposed budget steps up our investment and includes increased planting of mature street trees across the region and 200 hectares of native forest, speeding up the transition to electric buses, and preparing our coasts for effects of sea-level rise.
“Our diversity is one of its greatest strengths. East Auckland one of the most multicultural places in the country and that’s why we want to hear from everybody about what is important to them and their family.
“We need to work together to ensure we get through this difficult time, do not delay and have your say from 22 February to 22 March”
Howick Local Board Chair Adele White says the focus of the local board is continuing to be on health and well-being and supporting growth in Howick.
“Through Auckland Council’s 10-year budget we are advocating to the Governing Body for additional funding so that we can complete projects that have been impacted but are a priority.
“With the growing population in Howick, we need our transport projects to continue as planned in pre-COVID-19 time, so we have the infrastructure to cope with the needs and demands.
“The community centre and library in Flat Bush, Ormiston is a priority project for Howick and the local board would be advocating for increased funding to reduce the impact COVID-19 has had on its completion,” she adds.
You can submit your feedback from 22 February to 22 March.
For more information and to have your say, visit akhaveyoursay.nz
