22 January 2014

How Auckland Council plans to invest in projects and programmes to meet the growing needs of the region are outlined in the draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 which opens for public consultation this week.

The plan details the organisation’s proposed budget, activities and investment programme for next financial year. It also includes draft local board agreements that highlight each of the board’s local priorities, projects and advocacy issues.

Auckland’s continuing population growth, a public desire for higher quality infrastructure and maintenance of existing assets is driving council’s significant investment programme.

$1.8 billion of capital expenditure is planned in the next financial year, with $1.25 billion of new assets to be bought or built, including:

• $146m to continue purchasing electric trains and $193m for the next stage of the City Rail Link

• $85m for local and sports parks

• $25m to continue development of new libraries in Massey North, Te Atatu Peninsula, Devonport, Flat Bush, Takanini and Ōtāhuhu

• $19m to upgrade town centres, including New Lynn, Westgate, Devonport, Mt Albert and Pukekohe

“It is important that we continue to invest in the future, in major region-wide infrastructure, and in local communities through projects such as new libraries, town centres, parks and sports ground upgrades,” says the Mayor.

“Aucklanders want financial prudence, which is the why the draft annual plan is based on ongoing savings, a low average rate increase and judicious investment.”

The average rates increase for the 2014/2015 financial year has reduced from an average of 4.9 per cent (as projected in our 10-year long-term plan) to an average of 2.4 per cent.

The council is seeking feedback on the proposed draft Annual Plan, including the local projects and proposed budget changes raised by each local board. Through the draft annual plan the council is also consulting on:

• implementing a strategy for Eden Park, Mount Smart, Western Springs and North Harbour stadiums that involves developing new facilities, shifting some sporting codes and streamlining operations at each venue to more efficiently accommodate major events and ensure the venues’ long-term success
• delivering a wider range of benefits to Aucklanders and the creative sector by providing increased funding to the Auckland Arts Festival Trust to allow the festival become an annual event rather than every two years

Submissions on Auckland Council’s draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 open 23 January and close Monday, 24 February 2014.

ENDS

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