FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Action Plan launch for North Shore City
November 22, 2002

A wide range of projects designed to meet the challenges of growth and change are outlined in North Shore City's first City Blueprint Action Plan - to be launched by Mayor George Wood in Devonport next Wednesday (November 27).

The Action Plan - part of North Shore City's commitment to the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy - identifies 72 projects, covering everything from the future of the Albany Centre development, to transport pollution, and a Youth Strategy.

Each project is designed to provide real progress over the next three to five years in facing the demands of a growing city.

Tony Holman, chairperson of the city's strategy and finance committee, says the Action Plan is a "living document" designed to protect and enhance people's quality of life.

"This is an important plan because it outlines the nuts and bolts of what we're doing to make a positive difference to improve the planning and management of our city.

Residents can see in clear and concise terms what is happening in their area and citywide," Councillor Holman says.

"We've also left ourselves with a degree of flexibility, and will identify and add other steps to the programme over time."

North Shore City will regularly review and report on progress, and continue to work with the community to make sure that appropriate actions are taken.

The City Blueprint Action Plan is linked strongly to, and derived from, the vision and strategy outlined in North Shore City's Strategic Plan (released in June 2001) and City Blueprint (September 2001).

The plan will be officially launched at Vauxhall Primary School in Devonport on Wednesday November 27, at 2.15pm.

One of the plan's featured projects, TravelWise to Schools, will be the main focus of the launch. As part of the TravelWise programme, Vauxhall Primary School has put together its own Travel Plan to promote walking, cycling and carpooling programmes to and from the school. It is the first initiative of its type in New Zealand.

The programme has involved extensive consultation and classroom activities to identify issues of concern on road safety, reduce congestion at the school gate and to encourage more environmentally-friendly travel. As a result, two walking school buses have already been introduced and cycling routes improved.

Residents can receive a printed copy of the City Blueprint Action Plan by phoning Actionline on 486 8600. Alternatively the Plan can be viewed from the council's website www.northshorecity.govt.nz.

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