Annual plan funds increase for public transport, economic development and civil defence

25 June 2007

Auckland Regional Council will increase its funding of public transport, economic development and civil defence this year.

The ARC’s Annual Plan 2007/08, which was adopted by Council this evening, will mean an average 4.95 per cent rates increase, a similar level to the last two years.

Chairman Michael Lee says the ARC Group continues to make progress on regional issues, especially public transport funding.

“This year’s ARC Group funding to the Auckland Regional Transport Authority will rise to $150 million - up from $124 million in 2006/07, and up on the $35 million spent in 2001/02.

“The Government’s very welcome budget decision to electrify the Auckland rail network is a turning point in the city’s development. The region can now look forward to faster, cleaner and quieter electric trains, which will build a modern and attractive rail network.

“Rail patronage continues to increase at a remarkable rate with trains expected to carry a record six million passengers this year, an increase of 24 per cent on June 2006. Progress has continued with refurbished rail rolling stock and new stations. The Northern Express bus service and school travel programmes are continuing to deliver ahead of target,” Michael Lee says.

Regional parks and heritage

The Council has decided against selling a portion of regional parkland at Pakiri. Public submissions heavily opposed a proposed sale of land, with opposition outnumbering support three to one.

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 local group TOSSI), kokako transferred to 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. We will also develop a sanctuary at Shakespear Regional Park with local volunteers this year.

Waterfront development

The ARC Group will ensure the goals of the Auckland Waterfront Vision 2040, focused on Wynyard Point, are realised. The development, by Auckland Regional Holdings and Sea+City Projects Ltd, with Auckland City Council, will include mixed-use living and entertainment areas and a large headland park with provision for a future iconic public building. To progress the project, the ARC will publicly notify the planned changes to the Regional Plan: Coastal.

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. 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.

The ARC has also agreed to fund the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Surf Lifesaving (Northern Region) with a combined total of $350,000 per annum.

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.

The ARC is increasing its role in waste management and will coordinate the Waste Wise Schools programme, develop a regional product stewardship programme for used motor oil and investigate running a trial collection service for electronic waste.

Changes to our ten-year plan

There are some small changes to the financial policies contained in our ten-year plan (LTCCP 2006-16). 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.

ends

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