Chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Finance and Property Committee, Cr Kay McKelvie, is proposing the Council uses income from its airport shares to improve public transport.

She wants $5 million diverted to a public transport fund from the $7 million special dividend the Council has just received.

Also, Cr McKelvie is suggesting that Aucklanders be asked if they agree with the rates being increased by the rate of inflation (1.8 per cent). This would give $4.5 million extra venue for the fund.

The public transport fund would be structured in a way that would allow money to be carried forward from one year to the next, giving a total of $21.6 million in three years.

“We know there are significant public transport improvements planned for Auckland and my proposal is aimed at ensuring there will be money available when the projects are ready to be implemented.

“Through the consultation on the draft Annual Plan in April and May, I want to find out what Aucklanders think of the idea.”

She says the combined committees of Council will hold their final meeting on budgeting issues on Monday. The Council is expected to approve the draft 2000/2001 Annual Plan and Budget on March 30, and the public will be asked to comment on proposals between mid-April and the end of May.

ENDS

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