Strategic Assets Not for Sale
 
The Mayor has reaffirmed that Auckland will not be selling off its strategic assets – the port and its airport shares.
 
“Auckland Council is keeping rates to an overall 3.6 per cent rise, having driven $1.7 billion out of the Long-term Plan,” says Len Brown.
 
“One of the biggest pressures we face is the costs around the amalgamation of Auckland Council, and that is a cost imposed on Auckland by the government.”
 
“Our core strategic assets will not be sold Generations of Aucklanders have invested in them and they want them retained in public ownership. They bring in tens of millions of dollars a year, taking pressure off rates.”
 
“Past assets sales have delivered very poor results.  We do not intend going down that path.”
 
“We do face a major challenge to put in place the infrastructure needed to accommodate Auckland’s population growth.  The government is the recipient of transport-related revenues – fuel taxes, etc – and needs to step up and pay its share of projects such as the City Rail Link.”
 
“The best way to get Auckland’s roading system working properly and make this city more liveable is to get people out of cars and into trains, buses and ferries.  That will not happen without investment, and I will continue to work to urge the government to contribute its share, so Aucklanders see a fair return on the fuel taxes they pay.”
 
“What Auckland Council is considering is the sale of non-strategic assets such as property, which could provide as much as $400 million dollars in revenue for ratepayers.” 
 
ENDS

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