Waitematā and Gulf ward councillor Pippa Coom is urging locals to have their say on the council’s Annual Budget, which includes significant investment to tackle climate change.
“Aucklanders have already told us they want more done about addressing the climate emergency and while we agreed to $152 million in the recent 10-year Budget, it isn’t enough to achieve the goals set for the region,” says the deputy chair of the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee.
The proposed targeted rate will ringfence around $574 million dollars into a range of actions over the next decade.
“The targeted rate would see more people living within 500 metres of new or improved bus routes, increased tree canopy across the region and an increased number of low-emission buses, more to invest is cycling and walking initiatives and urban ngahere, food gardens and tiny forests.
“I know that across this ward, climate change and protecting and preserving our environment is top of mind for many, so we really want to hear from everyone on these issues.”
The proposed budget proposes maintaining future general rates increases at 3.5 per cent a year and increasing borrowing, though within prudent debt-to-revenue limits. This comes as as the financial pressures facing the council due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue and look set to persist longer than expected.
Find out more about the budget pressures highlighted in the plan.
The is also a plan to move to regionwide a rates-funded refuse collection service, which is urban residents living in the former Auckland City Council area already have. People will be able to choose from three bin sizes (with different pricing for each) to accommodate different household needs.
Standardised services and charges across the region will mean everyone pays the same for the same size bin no matter where you live, which is more equitable. The proposed rates-based service is also more cost effective than the currently planned pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) model with prepaid bin tags or bags.
The Annual Budget also includes the draft agreements of the:
These agreements outline their priorities and plans for the 2022/2023 year.
Get involved
Consultation is open until 28 March. Go to akhaveyoursay.co.nz to:
- View the consultation document and supporting information
- Make a submission
- Local have your say events with elected members and subject specific webinars.
Local meetings include:
- 22 March, Waitemata Local Board. Email waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to register.
