Auckland sees smart green future, Govt sees more of same

The Green Party welcomed the Auckland Council's draft spatial plan discussion document released today as an exciting opportunity for Auckland to become a world class Eco-city.

"Auckland Council has produced a visionary document that shows how we can do things smarter," said Green Party Auckland Issues spokesperson David Clendon.

"It is also the opening salvo in what will be a battle for the control of Auckland's future.

"The excuse for the assault on democracy that delivered the Supercity was that Auckland had to speak with one voice to solve its problems.

"Now that one voice is speaking clearly, but the Government seems determined to shout it down," said Mr Clendon.

"The Auckland discussion document envisions a city where people can easily and safely walk and cycle, or use modern, efficient buses and trains to get to vibrant town centres.

"It proposes ways of saving money and energy with greener services like composting organic waste, and widespread uptake of solar energy options.

"Contrast this with the Government's vision for Auckland as more of the same: a sprawling, car-centric mess with bad traffic congestion and few opportunities to walk, cycle or take a bus or train as petrol prices continue to spike.

"This is old fashioned 1950s thinking. More motorways and sprawl have made Los Angeles one of the most congested and expensive cities in the world. Meanwhile, their local government is going broke and not even able to maintain the roads.

"It's not too late for Auckland to grow differently.

"The Government must allow Auckland to put in place the sustainable urban design and 21st century infrastructure they voted for.

"John Key's government has talked about a social and economic step change, but have failed to deliver. They should now allow Auckland's local government their chance to succeed," said Mr Clendon.

© Scoop Media