Whau ward Councillor Tracy Mulholland is calling on Whau residents to make their voices heard in the council’s Recovery Budget consultation, as decisions made now will impact the area for the next decade.
The ongoing significant financial impact of COVID-19, resulting in an estimated shortfall in revenue of $540 million between now and 2024, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to around $1 billion means the budget will not be ‘business as usual’ and hard decisions will have to be made.
So, it is important that Whau residents have their voices heard, says Councillor Mulholland.
Difficult decisions
“We will have difficult decisions to make in this budget,” she says. “While I am very pleased the impact of the budget will not stop the Community Centre in Avondale being constructed, or the next stage of the aquatic centre moving forward, issues such as rate increases, climate change and infrastructure investment will be top of mind.
“As Deputy Chair of the council’s Value for Money Committee I am absolutely committed to ensuring ratepayers get good value for their rates, and that we ensure prudent and sustainable measures to ensure the burden on ratepayers is kept as low and fair as possible for all.
“As your Whau Councillor, I am also committed to representing your voice at the council table when we come to the decisions that need making. With significant investment needed in our area, being able to take your views on board and advocate on your behalf is more important than ever."
Rates
“The proposed budget includes retaining the council’s long-term commitment to an average 3.5 per cent general rates increase over the course of the 10-year Budget, with a one-off increase to five per cent in the next financial year to help address the impacts of COVID-19 and the investment needed in infrastructure for Transport and water amongst other things.
“It also includes increasing total capital investment in the city to $31 billion over the next 10 years, on things like improving our transport infrastructure and helping to support population growth.
“There will also be provision to provide $145m of extra funding for Watercare, allowing an increase in infrastructure investment to $2.3 billion.
Work together
“If there is one thing the last year has shown us is that we can get it right when we work together, and this is no different. So, I want to ask you all to make sure your voice is heard in this process so that I can represent your views and needs when they need to be heard.”
Have your say
Have your say at akhaveyoursay.nz until 22 March.
