23.03.2011

Property Council New Zealand commends Auckland Mayor Len Brown for aspiring to create a compact, liveable Auckland City that caters for business growth, as the Auckland Plan discussion document outlines.

Released today at the Mayoral Summit, ‘Auckland Unleashed’, the discussion document (also referred to as the Auckland Plan) will act as a guide to future development and growth in Auckland for the next 20 to 30 years.

Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend said the discussion document appeared to contain options that balanced the need for integrated land use, better public transport infrastructure and regenerated town centres, with new land for high value manufacturing and industry.

“The discussion document acknowledges the important need for 780 hectares of new undeveloped land to cater for future demand. This will ensure the manufacturing and industrial sector can plan for growth with certainty about where that growth can occur.”

He said given the financial commitment the Government needs to make to Christchurch after the February 22 earthquake and its plans to cut spending in this year’s Budget, funding transport infrastructure projects will be an ongoing challenge for Auckland.

“The discussion document states Auckland Council is aware of the opportunity to be “innovative” in how it “leverages off its asset base” instead of relying solely on rating or central government for a sole means of funding.

“This is commendable, however it is critical that any future funding recognises that all Aucklanders will enjoy transport infrastructure with a long asset life, by using a combination of funding strategies, starting with debt.”

Mr Townsend said both current and future consumers must pay a fair share of the cost of infrastructure that will serve Aucklanders for generations to come.

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