Viewpoint – Local projects funded

July heralded our new financial year and the first year of Auckland Council’s new Long-term Plan.

Our local board’s advocacy supported by our usual high level of local public submissions has been highly effective, with many of our projects now funded and awaiting delivery.
The council has supported our top priority project, coastal protection work at Orewa Beach, with regional funding being set aside to complete the seawall at the northern end and for the additional work being planned along the rest of the beach. We have also received a significant boost to the local board transport capital fund with $1,237,015 available to be invested every year in priority local transport projects.

There is more good news, as several parks at Red Beach, Gulf Harbour and Metropark East are getting new toilets. Bulk tendering will realise better prices for these toilets. Planning and developing Metropark West reserve into a quality park and open space will begin soon.

Significant playground improvements are happening including developing a new playground at Hatfields Beach. Our shade cloth programme continues to roll out over all playgrounds and through a joint tender with several northern local boards further cost savings will be achieved. Enhancing our environment continues as a key focus and is ably supported by our partnerships with volunteer groups. Projects include pest-free programmes, the Orewa Estuary Restoration Plan, the North-West Wild Link and riparian and restoration planting.

We’re also funding and extending educational programmes to local schools on water sensitive design and Whitebait Connection, which we successfully trialled earlier this year (HM June 1).

Also we are working with local operators to boost tourism in our area by developing an ecotourism plan. Our efforts helping to justify extending ferry services and in particular encouraging weekend ferry services to Gulf Harbour and improving linkages across our entire local board area.

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board wants to thank you for all your support; especially the many people who took time out to make written submissions or give feedback at our open days. Your submissions and our local board’s advocacy have ensured that our voice has been heard clearly by the various arms of council and our needs have been largely recognised and funded. Thank you!