Rodney residents can make submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed Long-term Plan (LTP) now that public consultation is open.
Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says some LTP proposals will have significant impacts for Rodney and with the big decisions being made, it’s important to hear from residents.
“The LTP aims to strengthen the Auckland Region’s resilience, both physically and financially while tackling big budget challenges.
“A central proposal looks to deliver council activities and services that are balanced against what the council can afford, while spending wisely where it’s needed most.
“So vital for Rodney, is strengthening the region’s resilience to flooding with the Making Space for Water Programme which includes around $1 billion of investment with government co-funding.
“Equally important is a $124 million proposal for increasing road sealing through the Unsealed Road Improvement Programme. Rodney has many unsealed roads and residents giving feedback should carefully consider the options that are proposed for catching up on the backlog including how much is spent in individual years.”
The central proposal recommends rates increases for the average residential property of 7.5 per cent in year one, 3.5 per cent in year two, 8 per cent in year three and no more than 3.5 per cent a year after the first three years.
Other proposals will consider doing more or less than the central proposal which means higher rates increases and better service levels or lower rates increases which will result in cuts to some services.
Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says the local board wants to hear feedback about the activities it delivers to the community and the key priorities included in the LTP.
“It is important to build community resilience with local emergency groups and action plans that can help during extreme weather events like droughts and floods.”
“With the growing number of families moving to the area, it’s important to provide adequate programmes and activities for young people and playgrounds that are accessible.
“The local board will continue to advocate to the Governing Body for projects that are important to the community, and that includes funding to improve and maintain rural roads.
“These are only a few of the projects included in the LTP, so it’s important to read the consultation document and give feedback on the projects there,” Bailey says.
Sayers says that hard choices will need to be made and that is why it’s vital for the community to have their say on the LTP for Rodney.
Feedback on the LTP is open until 28 March.
Have your say
Feedback can be provided online, via email, by post or at a Have Your Say event.
Kumeū Show drop-in session:
Saturday 9 March 10am – 1pm, Kumeū Showgrounds, 35/41 Access Road, Kumeū Showgrounds, Kumeū.
Rodney Local Board hearing-style event:
Tuesday 19 March 4pm-6pm, Rodney Local Board office, 3 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth. Register to attend, email rodneylocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
To find out more, read the plan and give feedback, visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan
