Auckland City Council
Media release

Auckland City Council finalises ten-year-plan

$460 million planned in capital expenditure and an average rates increase kept below the council’s rate of inflation – at two per cent – that’s what Auckland City Council will be delivering in 2009/2010.

Councillors met today to discuss the projects, services and budget in the 10-year plan.

After a month long consultation, the plan discussed yesterday contained $460 million dollars of funding for capital projects across Auckland over the next year.

Over the next 10 years the council is proposing to spend $3.4 billion on capital works. This will include $1.5 billion on maintaining facilities and services that the council already provides, such as libraries, swimming pools and parks; and $1.9 billion on building and acquiring new assets for people who live, work, visit and do business in the city.

In an effort to keep rates as affordable as possible, the average rates increase will be two per cent This is lower than the council’s average rate of inflation, which has been calculated at 2.5 per cent for 2009/2010. Savings have also been identified by staff to achieve targets set in the draft plan.

“It is a priority for this council to do the right things for our communities. The people of Auckland city gave this council the opportunity to lead the city on the commitment of affordable progress. Our focus is on giving Aucklanders value for money,” says Councillor Douglas Armstrong, chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee.

Some of the things planned for the next 10 years include:

• Residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy major public events and everyday activity in a redeveloped Aotea Square.

• People in Auckland will be able to enjoy more of the nation’s biggest art collection, and dedicated education, children and family spaces at the Auckland Art Gallery, after its multi-million dollar restoration and expansion.

• Continuing to develop our stormwater system will alleviate flooding and help keep our beaches and waterways clean and safe

• libraries across the city will be upgraded and have collections refreshed

• residents and visitors will be able to visit and enjoy upgraded, developed and new parks and playgrounds;

• Visitors will be able to see New Zealand land and sea creatures at the new Te Wao Nui exhibit at Auckland Zoo.

• Walking will be safer and easier with an investment over the next 10 years to maintain the safety and standard of footpaths across Auckland city.

• community centres across the city will be tailored to the local community’s needs through a programme of renewals and redevelopments.

Councillors also voted to bring forward, and increase, funding to develop Queens Wharf. As well as the $25 million already in the 10-year plan, an additional $21 million will be put towards opening up Queens Wharf for public use.

Mr Armstrong adds: “The development of Queens Wharf has the potential to provide a world class facility for visitors and residents, leverage the benefits of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and provide significant economic benefits for the region and the country by promoting Auckland as a cruise ship hub.

“It has long been the wish of Aucklanders to have greater access to the waterfront. We have an opportunity to restore and conserve a historic location, initially for activities to celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2011, and also to ensure a legacy benefit not just for Aucklanders, but for people who visit our city.

“Redevelopment of the heritage building into a world-class international cruise ship terminal will enhance the experience of visitors and bring huge economic benefits to the city, region and the country.”

Additional work and council decisions will be carried out in the near future, including further financial review, development of the design and work with central government and Auckland Regional Council to negotiate ownership of the wharf.

The plan also contains an increase in the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) from $162 to $250. The refuse collection charge will be reduced from $210 to $183.

The UAGC is a flat charge, the same amount payable by all properties, regardless of their value. The charge is an initial contribution to fund those services and activities that all ratepayers have access to.

Mr Armstrong says: “Although we will be facing significant change in local government well within the next 10 years, we can not and will not stop with our day-to-day services, and our financial planning.

“Our 10-year plan, and the budgets within it, will form a basis for the new council and their 10-year plan.”

Following this week’s meeting, the council will adopt the final plan on Thursday 25 June. It will then go to the Auckland Transition Agency for confirmation.

Minutes of the meeting are available at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz.

ENDS

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