Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Phil Goff's Priorities to Deliver ‘World Class’ Auckland

Mayor Outlines Priorities to Deliver ‘World Class’ Auckland

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has today outlined his vision and priorities for Auckland’s Ten Year Budget (2018 – 2028).

“Our vision for Auckland is a world class city where talent wants to live. It must be the city which can keep the best and brightest of our young people in New Zealand while competing globally with other cities around the world for skills, entrepreneurship and investment,” said Mayor Phil Goff.

“My key focus is to build infrastructure at a rate that matches unprecedented population growth to maintain our quality of life and make it easier to do business in our city.”

“Auckland grows by 45,000 people a year and is clearly a desirable place to live. This growth creates opportunities, but it also presents challenges in housing shortages and affordability, growing traffic congestion and pressure on our environment.

“The key to tackling these issues is our ability to lift investment in our infrastructure,” Phil Goff said.

“Investment in public transport, including light rail, in active transport modes like cycling and walking, and optimising our road network is critical.

“That’s why under our latest Auckland Transport Alignment Project we have set aside $27 billion for capital investment in the next decade. Currently, $5.9 billion of that is unfunded and has to be found.

“I welcome Government’s commitment to meet the larger share of that, but Auckland will also need to contribute more.

“The ten year budget needs to consider where we source our share of the funds.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“The Interim Transport Levy is not user-related and does not raise sufficient funds. We can’t simply impose huge general rate increases to pay for infrastructure so some form of road pricing will be essential,” the Mayor said.

“We need to build more houses more quickly. The Mayoral Housing Taskforce makes recommendations which we need to move to implement.

“The Unitary Plan enables land development, but we need to invest in infrastructure to allow houses to be built. This will involve intensification of houses, as well as new developments under the Future Urban Land Supply Strategy.

“Use of targeted rates as well as special purpose vehicles through Crown Infrastructure Partners will be essential. That also applies to protecting and enhancing our environment.

“Water quality is a top priority. We need to reduce wastewater overflowing into our streams and harbours. Building new water infrastructure will be our focus including new wastewater interceptors and green infrastructure.

“While Council is looking for new sources of infrastructure funding, we must also get better value for the ratepayers’ dollar.

“It is time to realise the benefits of amalgamation to deliver further efficiencies and economies of scale made possible by the super city.

“Findings from our group wide section 17A value for money reviews will be critical and I want Council to develop group wide shared services.

“APEC and the America’s Cup defence add impetus to our planning and provide the opportunity to create a lasting legacy for Aucklanders.

“We have the opportunity to make Auckland more prosperous, smart, innovative, inclusive and culturally rich, with a beautiful environment and choice and opportunity for all.

“With this as our vision and the investment we need in infrastructure, we will make Auckland a world class city,” Phil Goff said.

Once every three years, councils adopts a 10-year budget (Long Term Plan) and requires full consultation with the public. Public consultation will take place in late February and March 2018 following a series of workshops with councillors on the key challenges Auckland is facing.


ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.