January 9, 2008

Hand It Over, ARC

The head of Waitakere City’s finance committee supports regional funding for an upgrade of Eden Park.

The Auckland Regional Authority has just announced an unexpected budget surplus of $34 million. It has been suggested by Auckland Mayor John Banks that those funds be handed over to the upgrade of Eden Park, which is needed for the 2011 rugby world cup.

Waitakere City’s finance committee chairman, Ross Clow, agrees. He emphasises that his Council has not discussed the matter formally but says that in principle the idea should be looked at.

“That money has been taken from the ratepayers of the region so should be returned to major regional projects,” says Mr Clow.

He suggests that “about half” of the unexpected surplus could be earmarked for Eden Park while the rest could be used for improvements to the region’s public transport systems.

“Any surplus is certainly better than a deficit, but it is important that those funds are re-prioritised and spent appropriately,” he says. “People would not be happy if that surplus was frittered away and then they were forced to stump up more, through their rates, for Eden Park.”

ENDS