AKC
25/06/2015 15:55
GENERAL
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1555 HRS Auckland Council
GENERAL: AKC: Auckland Council adopts 10-year budget
Media release
25 June 2015
Auckland Council adopts 10-year budget
Auckland Council has adopted its 10-year budget, setting rates, introducing
an interim transport levy and agreeing on the level of investment in the
region for the next 10 years.
General rates will increase by an average of 2.5 per cent in the first year
of the budget (2015/16); 3.2 per cent in year two and 3.5 per cent from then
on to help pay for the essential services the council delivers.
In addition, to help fund a number of crucial transport projects including
busways, cycleways and walking options over the next three years, an interim
transport levy will be introduced while the council works with central
government on a transport accord to find alternative funding sources.
Mayor Len Brown says that this is a watershed moment for Auckland.
"During our consultation Aucklanders told us in record numbers that they
wanted us to keep rates affordable and debt low, but they also wanted to see
immediate action tackling Auckland's transport issues," he says.
"After robust debate, we have made the hard choices for Auckland.
"We have to continue investing in public transport so that in future Auckland
has the necessary infrastructure in place rather than traffic being
gridlocked.
"After decades of under-investment, the public said clearly their priority is
for us to fix Auckland's transport issues, and the interim transport levy
will enable a number of critical transport projects, from roads to buses to
cycleways.
"This budget will have a profound positive impact on Auckland. It will
produce an Auckland we can be rightly proud of, and more importantly, an
Auckland that keeps moving."
Notes to editors
1. The Interim Transport Levy will see residential ratepayers paying $114 inc
GST per year; or about $2 a week, while Business ratepayers will pay $184 inc
GST per year; or about $3 per week.
2. The final Long-term plan will be available on the council website from 29
June.
3. A summary of decisions made will be available at
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/longtermplan next week
4. In addition, the Mayor also proposed the following work streams be carried
out to inform the 2016/17 Annual Plan on a number of issues including:
o An independent review of rail costs
o Level and composition of transport targeted rate
o Managing the impact of significant rate increases
o Additional revenue sources, including asset sales and alternate
sources of financing.
o Review of Ports of Auckland Ltd capital expenditure through Auckland
Council Investments Ltd
o Annual review of the UAGC
End CA:00266173 For:AKC Type:GENERAL Time:2015-06-25 15:55:25
