A strategy that will govern the future of Auckland’s southern rural area is open for consultation until 1 December.
The Southern Rural Strategy is a part of of the Future Development Strategy for the development and growth of Tāmaki Makarau / Auckland.
Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says its crucial southern voices are heard.
“Everyone I meet has an opinion on what is happening now, what should happen in the future, housing developments on prime agricultural land, or on how the rural character of our area is changing.
“If people want to have a say, they are going to have to speak up. It is as simple as this, there’s no use staying silent then railing about how our home is changing, and the ‘good old days’ because nothing stays the same forever.
“Auckland Council’s Southern Rural Strategy sets out how the area will accommodate a growing population, while enabling farming and food production to continue to thrive,” Baker, who chairs the working group overseeing strategy, says.
The strategy covers the Franklin ward and includes rural land in the Howick and Papakura local board areas.
Franklin Local Board has already submitted a detailed response to the draft strategy, endorsing the development of a plan and noting the significant role rural Auckland plays in the well-being of the city, not only in terms of food security, but also financially.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says many of the issues addressed in the strategy reflect the board’s own plans.
“We believe this is a good chance to highlight the issue of deprivation through isolation. Many of our people don’t have access to things urban dwellers take for granted because they live in isolated rural communities where you can’t just pop down the road to a pool or library, and which may not even have internet access.”
She says urban land costs and restrictions are increasingly impacting rural land use.
“You need only drive on the motorway to see fertile land now being used to for non-rural commercial activities such as storage for relocated homes or heavy vehicles.”
“Development in the rural south is leading to a series of private wastewater management systems and that’s a concern in terms of environmental impact and community health.”
Drury, Opaheke, Pukekohe and Waiuku are all identified as towns where the most growth will occur in future.
Board deputy chair Alan Cole, himself a farmer, says everyone in the south is aware of the development taking place.
“There are long-term plans for how Drury and Pukekohe will expand over time – so it’s time for the people who make up those communities to say what they want for their towns.”
“Franklin is growing and will be home to another 100,000 people over the next 30 years. We need a strategy to manage that. We often boast that Auckland eats because Pukekohe exists, so it’s critical we strike the right balance.”
You can have your say on the Southern Rural Strategy until Sunday 1 December.
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