Papakura Local Board has approved its Customer and Community Services work programme and its associated budgets.
The programme is the most complex of the board’s different work programmes, dealing with a wide range of services and departments.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says the programme’s activities align to 2020 Local Board Plan outcomes that include generating local opportunities, improving transport options, protecting the environment, and enhancing community participation.
The work programme will be good news for users of Bruce Pulman Park, with $50,000 allocated for improvements to the car park, including to widen the exit.
It will be even better news for users of Prince Edward Park, where $100,000 has been allocated to investigate lighting, $60,000 to upgrade toilet and changing room facilities, and another $40,000 to improve the field two softball diamond.
Almost $260,000 has been earmarked to improve sports assets across the area, and more than $350,000 for general renewals at community centres and open space facilities.
“People are aware after consultations on the annual budget that our finances have been hit, and that we, as part of Auckland Council, continue to face challenges.
“Our budget is like any household’s. Money is spread around to ensure costs are covered, and we have to make it go as far as possible, and even keep something for emergencies. It’s critical we maintain good oversight over what is being spent and where,” Catchpole says.
“All board work programmes are shaped by what people tell us during consultations, With the 2023 Local Board Plan now open for consultation, it’s important that people take the time to read it and comment.
“Public support helps decide how we allocate funding. If things aren’t on work programmes, nothing can happen until they are.”
He says Papakura is grappling with the increasing costs of maintaining the assets it already has under its control. “We have lots of assets we have to keep up to scratch, and others that have become a bit run down or might not even be fit for purpose any longer.
“Do we get rid of some and use the proceeds to upgrade others, and if we do, which assets go, and how do you make sure everybody gets treated equally?
“We didn’t just decide to improve Te Koiwi pond or fund softball upgrades. Those decisions started with people advocating for them, so if you have something you’re passionate about, speak up.”
The Papakura plan is here. You can comment at the same site until 14 August.
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