New Projects going forward in the Franklin Local Board Area

From our southern most Local Board – Franklin:

Local feedback supports local board direction

Auckland Council’s 10 Year Budget 2015-2025 (Long-term Plan) has been adopted following feedback from people across Auckland.

As a result, the Franklin Local Board has agreed on the proposals they will move forward with over the next ten years.

“We received 470 submissions on local proposals and had some great conversations about what our priorities should be in Franklin,” says Local Board Chair Andy Baker.

“Thanks to feedback from locals, the Franklin Local Board has agreed to progress the following proposals over the next ten years:

• Coastal erosion control
• Planning and implementation of enhanced sporting facilities in Waiuku
• Continuing to support local events, grants and community support
• Funding for environmental initiatives, particularly focusing on waterways
• Upgrade of Pukekohe town centre

“In particular, we saw a great amount of support for continued control of coastal erosion and the provision of grants and support to community groups and event organisers.

“We’re also thrilled that our advocacy, along with the other local boards on the Manukau Harbour Forum, has led to the governing body funding hydrodynamic modelling of the Manukau Harbour.

“Although there was support to continue the facilities partnership scheme, the board has decided to instead allocate the funding this year to undertake a comprehensive study of sport and recreation facilities.

“It’s important we fully understand how existing facilities are working and where the gaps are so we can try to meet current needs as well as accommodate Franklin’s growth.

“The adoption of the transport levy will also result in significant investment in some local transport projects, most notably the Pukekohe rail station upgrade, park n ride and bus interchange,” says Mr Baker.

Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/longtermplan to see the final Long-term Plan available from 29 June and a summary of the decisions available later this week.

—ends—

Franklin in part of the southern Auckland Local Boards due to face significant growth both in population and employment centres (both commercial and industry). I do hope Council and her Council Controlled Organisations know what they are doing as the South looks down the barrel as the fastest growing area in Auckland.