Franklin residents are being asked as part of Auckland Council's Long-term Plan consultation, open until 28 March, if they are willing to pay a $52 annual targeted rate to help pay for pathways in the district.
Chair Angela Fulljames says Franklin Local Board asked for the question to be included to give residents the chance to express their views.
“The Governing Body accepted our call to consult on introducing a Franklin Local Board Paths Targeted Rate of $52 (GST incl) increasing each year with inflation, on all rateable properties in the area, to fund additional paths investment.”
She says the board has communicated on the proposed rate through local publications and online, and continues to do so through a dedicated website at www.franklinpathsandtrails.org.
“Active transport modes - walking and cycling, are a priority for us,” Fulljames says.
“Our communities have shown a consistent interest in options that enable them to contribute to climate action at a local level, and we have so far allocated around $2.4 million to progress paths in partnership with community groups.
“We have developed a programme for additional investment across all three Franklin subdivisions, Wairoa, Pukekohe, and Waiuku that would have to be funded by a targeted rate.
“Investment in paths infrastructure is a public good.
“The paths generate benefits to the entire board area through improved connections between residential, transport, and urban hubs.”
Council staff have recommended the targeted rate – and annual inflation increases – to generate around $20 million over the 2024-2034 period.
The proposed paths would mainly be in urban areas and connect with existing paths as well as the wider public transport network.
Stay connected
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?
Sign up for the Franklin Local Board E-News and get it in your inbox each month.
