IA Offers Waitakere $8.9m Stormwater Grant

Statement made by John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland

Infrastructure Auckland today announced it is offering a landmark stormwater grant of $8.9 million to Waitakere City Council.

Up to 326,000 residents, recreational users and 22 schools in the area will directly benefit from improvements to the Lower Oratia Stream and consequently to Henderson Creek.

IA congratulates Waitakere City for its commitment to making stormwater improvements that significantly benefit not only Waitakere but the Auckland region. This project delivers important social, environmental and economic benefits, through improvements to freshwater and marine environments, for current and future generations.

Nine kilometres of the stream will be significantly improved by extensive riparian planting, construction of a cycle way and pedestrian pathways, a bridge, educational signage and removal of weeds and rubbish. The funding will also go towards property purchases along 10 reaches of the stream and stabilisation of the stream’s banks.

IA’s offer of $8.9 million represents approximately 70% of the total cost of the project ($12.7 million). IA is pleased to add our contribution to this regionally significant project which has a wide range of support from schools, businesses and community groups.

The project is part of Waitakare City Council’s Henderson Creek Regional Stormwater Project.

Today’s grants bring IA’s total granting programme for the region to date to $184 million, of which $28 million has been to stormwater projects.

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