Albany will benefit from Auckland Council’s record capital investment over the next 10 years focussed on keeping the city running and continuing to build for the future.
The council’s Governing Body adopted the 10-year Budget (2021-2031) on 29 June which provides for a $31.8 billion capital expenditure programme. The spending is at its highest level ever despite the difficult financial circumstances the organisation is facing in the short term.
Albany ward councillor Wayne Walker says even with those pressures, this ‘recovery’ budget still enables the organisation to deliver on those activities and services Aucklanders expect while also investing in protecting the environment and improving water quality, reducing emissions and investing in our communities.
“The Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre has an important role in supporting Auckland’s youth and that becomes even more critical as the impacts of COVID-19 are felt by our young people. Securing funding of $100,000 annually for the next three years provides certainty and enables the centre to plan for the future.”
Fellow ward councillor John Watson says the council will be investing strongly in infrastructure to create long-term assets for present and future generations.
“The budget enables important investment to improve the water supply, builds resilience and upgrades critical assets such as the Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant and Mairangi Bay pump station. It invests in much needed transport infrastructure such as the Northern Busway and major intersection upgrades like Glenvar Road and community projects with construction of the Scott Point sports park and Metro Park West.”
Local investment
Among the local asset improvements budgeted for in the plan in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and Upper Harbour Local Board areas are:
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
- Erosion prevention measures at Ōrewa Beach between Kohu Street and Marine View to renew the northern seawall and protect public high-tide access to Esplanade Reserve at a cost of $15.9 million
- The Freyberg Park work programme which includes a new toilet and changing facility, sports fields, a pedestrian bridge, the carpark and retaining walls at an approximate cost of $4 million
- Metro Park West reserve development at a cost of $9.3 million. The multi-year regional growth project is expected to start during the financial year 2024/2025
- Renew pathways on the Crow’s Nest and Murrays Bay coastal walkways at a cost of $340,000.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board chair Gary Brown says the local board is grateful to the many people who gave feedback on the budget.
“People are going through tough times and while most people disliked the rates increase, they want investment in our area. We’ve read all the submissions and really tried to get the right balance between rates, supporting our area’s recovery and investing in infrastructure that is so desperately needed.
“We’re confident that by investing in Ōrewa Beach front, parks and sports parks will make a big difference now and in the future.”
Upper Harbour Local Board
- Deliver the Scott Point Sustainable Sports Park (stage 1) includes two sports fields, amenities and carpark at an approximate cost of $15 million
- Install disability amenities at Albany Stadium Pool at an approximate cost of $205,000
- Design and build a new park at Observation Green, Hobsonville at an approximate cost of $740,000
- Construct a new pathway at Rosedale Park at an approximate cost of $688,000 funded by the Northern Corridor Improvements project.
Upper Harbour Local Board chair Lisa Whyte thanks people for their feedback and support for the board’s priorities for the next financial year.
“We know this is a challenging time for many in our community. Our budget is significantly impacted by COVID-19 and our focus is to complete existing projects before starting new ones.
“Our community strongly supports the Scott Point Sports Park and we’re very excited that the first stage is starting soon. We will talk further with the Paremoremo community about a bus service and explore more options as now isn’t the time to introduce a targeted rate.”
As part of the 10-year Budget, each of the local boards also consulted on its Local Board Agreements for 2021/2022 year which outline its priorities, activities, and budgets for the 2021/2022 year.
Find out more about what’s in the 10-year Budget.
