Share
- Release Date: 29/06/12 11:26
- Summary: GENERAL: AKC: Investing in Auckland's future
- Price Sensitive: No
- Download Document 2.47KB
AKC
29/06/2012 09:26
GENERAL
REL: 0926 HRS Auckland Council
GENERAL: AKC: Investing in Auckland's future
News Release
28 June 2012
Investing in Auckland's future
The Auckland Council formally adopted its Long-term Plan (LTP) today,
cementing the Mayor's vision for Auckland to become the world's most liveable
city.
The scale of investment across parks, sports grounds, stormwater, water,
wastewater and community facilities totals $8.2 billion, alongside a combined
transport budget totalling $9.3 billion, of which $5.3 billion is committed
to upgrading roads and footpaths.
"The adoption of this LTP is a historic moment for Auckland," says Mayor Len
Brown.
"We are delivering a package of new projects to the tune of $17.5 billion
which demonstrate this council's commitment to getting the basics right. In
addition, we have successfully absorbed the cost of the amalgamation in the
first 18 months.
"We have kept rate increases to 3.6 per cent - far lower than projected,
driven $1.7 billion in savings, and delivered on necessary upgrades to
council services."
The LTP includes funding for a number of significant projects such as the
City Rail Link and the electrification of the network, job creation projects
such as the planned innovation precincts, public transport initiatives and
major stormwater infrastructure improvements.
There are also numerous community-based projects, such as
o 11 new or refurbished libraries and improved services through a $196
million investment
o $688 million into local sports and recreational parks
o $187 million into aquatic and leisure centre upgrades
o Stormwater and flood protection work totalling $973 million
The plan also includes $38 billion for operational services across Auckland.
The Office of the Auditor-General has given the council's LTP a clean bill of
health.
In adopting the plan the council has also introduced a range of new finance
and revenue policies, including a uniform rate system as required by the
amalgamation of Auckland.
"Balancing the extraordinary complexities of amalgamation with the need to
create a vision for the new Auckland has been a huge ask, but this budget
gives us the foundation blocks necessary to transform this city once and for
all."
The final published copy of Auckland Council's Long-term Plan (2012-2022)
will be available from 27 July.
Ends
For further information contact:
Melanya Burrows
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
027 239 0429
End CA:00224419 For:AKC Type:GENERAL Time:2012-06-29 09:26:36