The same scientific findings on climate change that draw attention to its potential devastating impacts also offer hope of stalling or reversing some of those negative impacts through climate action.
Albert-Eden Local Board is committed to considering climate change in its decision making and projects.
“We support projects through the council and also put our weight behind groups that are taking action locally to counter impacts of climate change,” says Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Margi Watson.
The board has supported local environmental groups to start projects such as community gardens with funding and have played a key role in nurturing low-carbon initiatives across the local area aimed at reducing carbon footprint.
“This ties into the larger picture and adds up to create impact at scale,” says Chair Watson.
The goals align with the priorities of Auckland Council’s Recovery Budget currently open for consultation until 22 March.
The Recovery Budget responds to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while investing in development and actions that will address the threats of climate change. Given the critical need, Auckland Council will invest an extra $150 million to further accelerate and significantly increase existing climate actions at a regional level.
Local feedback necessary
While the decisions on the Recovery Budget are driven by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, Chair Watson encourages locals to have their say before consultation closes on 22 March.
Receiving local feedback means that local boards can fulfil a dual role in the process. They can consider their own decision making at the local level to ensure it aligns with what locals need and want, and also use it to guide their advocacy on behalf of locals to the Governing Body.
The Governing Body and local boards are each autonomous and make decisions within their areas of responsibility. However, even if they make different types of decisions, there is an active working relationship between the Governing Body and local boards.
Following consultation, all feedback will be considered and Auckland Council’s Recovery Budget (the 10-year Budget) 2021-2031 is due to be adopted in June 2021.
Decisions will be communicated once the budget is adopted and a summary report will be available on the council’s website.
