Waitākere Ward Councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson are urging west Aucklanders to make sure they have their say on the council’s Annual Budget, which includes several issues that will impact west Auckland, including changes to waste collection and a focus on Climate Change.
The proposals include maintaining future general rates increases at 3.5 per cent a year and introducing a targeted rate for climate action. It includes increasing borrowing, though within prudent debt-to-revenue limits.
Councillor Cooper says that the budget is set against a difficult backdrop following two years of Covid disruption.
“It has become clear that COVID-19’s impact on the council’s finances will persist for longer than projected. With a forecasted budget shortfall of $85 million for 2022/2023 compared to what was budgeted for in the 10-year Budget, there are tough choices that will need to be made to keep Auckland running."
Waste
Says Cooper: "One of the proposals are changes to the way we manage our waste and moving toward a region-wide rates-funded refuse collection service, which will mean replacing the current tags system out west.
“This will change the way waste is paid for, and potentially impact people who aren’t filling a bin each week. However, analysis of the wider Auckland waste system suggests that moving to this system will be more efficient, equitable and reduce emissions.
“No doubt there will be many different views on the proposal so make sure your voice is heard through the consultation process.”
Climate change
Councillor Henderson, who is also Deputy Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee, says that the Climate Change proposals will also have significant impact.
“One of the most important issues of our time is Climate Change and the steps needed to combat it.
“Aucklanders have already told us that they want action on Climate Change, and we’ve seen the impact it is already having on us out west especially, with increased frequency and ferocity of storms, flooding and drought. The time to act is now, and this budget does that.
“The council only has a few levers it can pull to address the climate emergency. A big one is public transport, which contributes significantly to reducing our emissions. The proposal would improve transport choice for over one million Aucklanders who will be living within 500 meters of new or improved bus services.
“Out west that means increasing the number of rapid transit bus routes from two to seven, which will encourage people to leave the car at home. That is huge for west Auckland which is currently poorly served by rapid transit buses.
“The proposed rate will also pay for projects to increase capability for walking and cycling and increase tree canopy cover in communities that need it most, which is very much the case out west.
“These issues just scratch the surface though. I really encourage everyone who can to read through the proposals and give their feedback. It really is an incredibly important consultation to have your say on.”
Have your say
Consultation is open until 28 March. Have your say at akhaveyoursay.co.nz
