Roskill Community Voice Media Release
2 April 2011

Area Plan could shape Puketapapa’s Future

“The Puketapapa/Mt Roskill area has been neglected for too long and it is time that some serious focus and resources are brought to bear on our community”, says Roskill Community Voice member of the Puketapapa Local Board Michael Wood after the Board unanimously supported his motion calling on Auckland Council to develop an Area Plan for Puketapapa, at a Board meeting on Thursday night.

“For various reasons Mt Roskill’s development has been overlooked by the powers that be over the years. This is evident in our run-down town centres, a lack of facilities in some parts, and a general sense that the community has not been given a fair go compared to other areas”, says fellow Board member Julie Fairey.

“The development of an Area Plan, to complement the Auckland Spatial Plan, will bring the attention of Council and government to key medium and long-term issues for our community including our vision for 3 Kings Quarry to be turned into a quality multi-use park of regional significance, the strong case for the Avondale to Southdown rail link to be built, and the need to bring a major tertiary education provider into our community”, says Mr Wood.

“Importantly, Area Plans will not be rolled out everywhere at once. By strongly arguing Puketapapa/Mt Roskill’s case at this early stage we are aiming to convince the decision makers to give our community a fair go by having an early crack at an Area Plan. We will continue to strongly encourage Council officers and members of the Governing Body to make this a reality”, says Ms Fairey.

“We believe that there is real energy and potential in our community and that it can be harnessed through a visionary plan for the future”, concludes Mr Wood.

ENDS

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