Public submissions sought on ARC Draft Annual Plan

20 March 2007

Auckland Regional Council is proposing funding increases for public transport, economic development and civil defence over the coming year, and is asking Aucklanders for their views on its plans.

The ARC’s Draft Annual Plan, which was adopted by Council on 6 March, proposes an average 4.9 per cent rates increase, a similar level to the last two years.

Chairman Michael Lee says the ARC Group is continuing to make progress on regional issues, but much more needs to be done about public transport.

“The ARC Group proposes to lift Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) funding to $155 million in 2007/08 - up from $124 million in 2006/07, and up on the $35 million spent in 2001/02.

“The increased investment means that ARTA can increase the capacity and frequency of bus, rail and ferry services, provide more real-time information systems and develop integrated ticketing.

“It also allows ARTA to buy more trains and improve stations, ferry terminals and bus facilities,” he says.

“ARC and ARTA have welcomed the Government’s recent decision to reform the public transport service contracts legislation, upgrade Newmarket station and re-open the Onehunga line. However, if the region wants to achieve big improvements in train, bus and ferry services, the ARC Group must secure additional funding.”

Government support for the electrification of the Auckland rail network will allow ARTA to purchase new quieter, cleaner and faster electric trains, Michael Lee says.

Aucklanders are encouraged to give the ARC their feedback and send us a submission on the Draft Annual Plan. Region Wide newsletter, which is delivered to 465,000 households and businesses, summarises the Draft Annual Plan. People can also go to www.arc.govt.nz/draftannualplan or call (09) 366 2000 (or 0800 80 60 40 outside the local calling area).

The Draft Annual Plan is available for public consultation from this Friday 23 March until 5pm on Tuesday 24 April. Public hearings will take place from 24 May.

Other priorities for 2007/08

Regional parks and heritage

Preparations are underway to open Atiu Creek Regional Park on the Kaipara harbour to the public in 2008, once facilities are installed. This 843 hectare regional park, donated to the nation by the Chatelanat family, is the region’s third largest, after the Waitakere and Hunua ranges, and will provide public access to the Kaipara harbour, native forest and wetlands.

The ARC is also helping fund the Chelsea Estate, which will see a new harbourside park at Birkenhead on the North Shore. It plans to increase camping and accommodation in regional parks, and develop a ‘Long Trail’ through the Waitakere Ranges.

ARC’s conservation programmes have seen the return of kiwi to the Auckland mainland for the first time in 60 years at Tawharanui Open Sanctuary (with the help of TOSSI), kokako transferred from the King Country into the Hunua ranges (with the help of DoC), and hihi (stitchbirds) into the Waitakere ranges (with Ark in the Park), the culmination of many years work. It will develop a sanctuary at Shakespear Regional Park this year.

Waterfront development

The Rugby World Cup stadium debate showed that Aucklanders want to protect the waterfront and have better public access. The ARC will ensure the goals of the Auckland Waterfront Vision 2040, focussed on Wynyard Point, are realised. The development, by Auckland Regional Holdings, will include mixed-use living and entertainment areas and a large headland park with provision for a future iconic public building. A specialist property management company was recently set up to manage the project.

Civil defence

Civil defence needs better leadership and support. ARC funding for the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group will increase from $225,400 this year to $620,515 in 2007/08. This allows for a dedicated operations centre, employing four staff to help plan for regional disaster response.

Other priorities

The ARC is putting more money into AucklandPlus, the regional economic development unit, to support new hi-tech exporters and maximise the long-term benefits of major events such as the Rugby World Cup.

A new education programme to improve air quality and help meet national standards will be launched this year.

The ARC has also agreed in principle to fund the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Surf Lifesaving (Northern Region) with a total of $350,000 per annum, subject to public consultation through the submission process.

Progress continues on the development of a Long-Term Sustainability Framework for the region and the review of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy. The ARC has worked with local councils, central government and other organisations to develop these projects.

Changes to our ten-year plan

There are some small changes to the financial policies contained in our ten-year plan (LTCCP 2006-16) and a statement of proposal relating to park land. They are:

• minor amendments to the revenue and financing policy to reflect changes to rates billing areas

• minor amendments to the policy for the remission of rates for community, sporting and other organisations

• statement of proposal - to investigate the potential sale of a section of non-coastal land at Pakiri considered surplus to regional park requirements.

For more information please call: ARC Chairman Michael Lee, 0274 943 198; or Communications Team Leader Glyn Walters 366 2000 x8114 or 021 417 188.

Want to help preserve and protect the environment?

Join our Sustainable Households (Big Clean Up) programme on http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/big-clean-up/ or phone 0800 JOIN IN (56 46 46)

ENDS

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