Yesterday Auckland Councillors voted to withdraw Plan Change 78 and take its replacement, Plan Change 120, to the next stage. Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Councillor Julie Fairey voted for the change.

Councillor Fairey says, “I voted for better flood protections, a full community input process, more homes near public transport, and lower infrastructure costs. This is a plan for the future of our city and it’s important we get it right.”

“We were required by the Housing Minister to put up a plan by 10 October that met the legislative requirements. It’s been incredibly frustrating that some Councillors have repeatedly misled the public, and wasted council time, claiming that a delay, postponement or other plan was possible. Christchurch tried that — their amendments were rejected by the Minister and it cost their ratepayers $6million.”

The public will now be able to have their say during a seven-week submission period.

“By enacting Plan Change 120, we have met the Housing Minister’s requirements and our communities can now have their say through a full consultation process.”

“Plan Change 120 allows for increased down-zoning, which is hugely important to the communities that make up Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa who experience severe flooding. Building homes next to transport routes not only ensures that Auckland capitalises on our investment in the CRL, but also reduces transport costs and congestion.”

“We need to plan for Auckland’s future. We can’t simply bury our heads in the sand and continue to sprawl outwards. Sprawl means expensive new infrastructure and increased infrastructure maintenance. By planning for growth sensibly, we can keep council costs down and bring life back to our town centres.”

Councillor Fairey’s City Vision running mate in Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa, Jon Turner, was dismayed by some councillors’ comments at yesterday’s vote.

“It’s disappointing to see councillors obfuscating and making false promises on important issues like this. This is an opportunity for us to make smart planning decisions, bring transport emissions down and improve housing affordability in the areas where Aucklanders want to live, work and play.“

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