AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

8 November 2006

Financial boost for community facilities

Auckland City’s Community Development and Equity Committee today endorsed plans to spend more than $25 million over the next 10 years to improve community facilities across the city.

The money, which was approved by Combined Committees in June 2006 as part of the long-term plan, will be used to make community facilities more relevant to the needs of local residents.

“With our increasingly diverse population and lifestyles we need to ensure that our facilities, and the activities taking place within them, reflect the needs of residents and deliver opportunities that engage a greater number of people,” says Councillor Cathy Casey, chairperson of the Community Development and Equity Committee

“The planned initiatives, many of which are in direct response to public feedback, will boost community participation in recreational and educational activities, like free public access to the internet. They will also support cultural and social development and help build stronger communities.”

Programme highlights:

• About $700,000 will be spent on improving physical access to community halls, swimming pools and libraries across the city. This will include installing hearing loops, ramps and handrails to improve access for disabled people.
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• $80,000 will be spent this year to provide free internet access in all Auckland City libraries. This will improve access to information and learning opportunities for many communities.
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• About $110,000 will be spent over three years on learning, recreation and arts programmes for young people in community facilities. These will be held at their local community centres and provide engaging daily activities after school.
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Funding for these projects has been made available through the Community Development and Housing targeted rate.

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