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Media Release: Auckland Council
Auckland Council has adopted its 10-year budget, setting rates, introducing an interim transport levy and agreeing on the level of investment in the region for the next 10 years.
General rates will increase by an average of 2.5 per cent in the first year of the budget (2015/16); 3.2 per cent in year two and 3.5 per cent from then on to help pay for the essential services the council delivers.
In addition, to help fund a number of crucial transport projects including busways, cycleways and walking options over the next three years, an interim transport levy will be introduced while the council works with central government on a transport accord to find alternative funding sources.
Mayor Len Brown says that this is a watershed moment for Auckland.
“During our consultation Aucklanders told us in record numbers that they wanted us to keep rates affordable and debt low, but they also wanted to see immediate action tackling Auckland’s transport issues,” he says.
“After robust debate, we have made the hard choices for Auckland.
“We have to continue investing in public transport so that in future Auckland has the necessary infrastructure in place rather than traffic being gridlocked.
“After decades of under-investment, the public said clearly their priority is for us to fix Auckland’s transport issues, and the interim transport levy will enable a number of critical transport projects, from roads to buses to cycleways.
“This budget will have a profound positive impact on Auckland. It will produce an Auckland we can be rightly proud of, and more importantly, an Auckland that keeps moving.”
The Interim Transport Levy will see residential ratepayers paying $114 inc GST per year; or about $2 a week, while Business ratepayers will pay $184 inc GST per year; or about $3 per week.
The final Long-term plan will be available on the council website from 29 June.
A summary of decisions made will be available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/longtermplan next week
ENDS
