Auckland’s southern boundary not sorted yet

16 September 2009

The Government must act today to ensure Auckland does not lose the critical water supplies and prime regional park land near the region’s southern boundary.

“The Government saw sense over the region’s northern boundary but seems hell bent on separating Auckland from 54% of its water supply and three major regional parks – all paid for and maintained by Auckland ratepayers,” said ARC Chairman Mike Lee.

“What’s more, the Government seems to be oblivious to the fact that it will be separating the residents of northern Franklin from essential services and infrastructure, and dividing the towns of Waiuku and Pukekohe.

“This is absurd and definitely not good local government. I implore the Government to once again be brave and re-think the southern boundary, just as it did the northern one to great acclaim. It’s not too late.”

Parliament is sitting under urgency today to pass the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.

The ARC believes the Government must amend the southern boundary to ensure all of the current Franklin District north of the Waikato River and Miranda (following the Franklin District boundary between the Waikato River and Miranda) is included in the new Auckland Council.

Mr Lee said he thought the whole idea of the Super City was to put Auckland’s assets together.

“Why then is the Government so determined to handover Auckland’s major water dams to the Waikato Regional Council and Tainui?

“This is unacceptable to the Auckland ratepayers who paid for the dams.”

Attached is the letter Mr Lee sent to Local Government Minister Rodney Hide on the issue today.

Ltr Hon Rodney Hide (pdf)

ENDS

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