Consultation is open on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget and Albany Ward councillors are urging residents to give feedback, particularly on the climate action and waste collection proposals, which will affect north Auckland.
The Annual Budget includes maintaining future rates increases at 3.5 per cent per year and introducing a targeted rate for climate action. The budget includes increasing borrowing, though within prudent debt-to-revenue limits.
Councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker say the sting in the tail of Covid-19 is proving long and strong and the pandemic is changing the way people live and work.
“We are seeing a hesitancy for people to gather, use our facilities and public transport. These behavioural changes have financial impacts, as revenue from fees and charges reduces.
“It has become clear that the impact on council’s finances will persist for longer than projected. Aucklanders are feeling the squeeze, and the council is too.”
Due to ongoing impacts of the pandemic on council revenue and growing inflationary pressure, a budget shortfall of $85 million is forecast for 2022/2023 compared to what was budgeted for in the 10-year Budget.
Councillor Watson says it means having to manage ongoing budget pressures, which may impact council services and the timing of some projects.
“A big change for our residents will be the waste collection proposal as the council moves to a region-wide rates-funded refuse collection service over the next few years.
“For some residents it will mean replacing the current tags system while for others it will be the first time they have access to a council kerbside refuse service.
“The new three-bin system will change the way waste is paid for, and likely impact people who aren’t filling a bin each week. There will be many different views on the proposal so make sure your voice is heard through the consultation process.”
Councillor Wayne Walker says residents understand the devastation that climate change can cause, and that time is running out to act.
“We need to make the changes now to leave a stable climate for future generations.”
To help meet the council’s climate commitments, the budget proposes to fund $574 million directly over 10 years and seeks to unlock a further $471 million from government subsidies and other sources.
The council is proposing a climate action targeted rate of $57 a year (or $1.10 a week for the median value residential property worth $1.18 million), rising in line with projected increases in average general rates each year.
Councillor Walker says that the proposal looks at improving transport choice for over one million Aucklanders who will be living within 500 metres of new or improved bus services.
“It’s all very well increasing the frequency of bus services and that will enable Coasties to travel from Albany to the Hibiscus Coast station every 15 minutes.
“But even more importantly, it’s about educating the public to help them to be comfortable making that shift to public transport so they can make the choice to leave their cars at home.
“The proposed rate will also pay for projects to increase capability for walking and cycling infrastructure, and the electrification of ferries which over time will cover off all ferry routes and directly reduce carbon emissions.”
Both councillors say there is a great deal more covered in the budget and are encouraging everyone who can to read through the proposals, share their ideas and give their feedback.
Consultation is open until 28 March. Visit akhaveyoursay.co.nz to find out more and ways to have your say.
