Transport issues dominated feedback on the Rodney Local Board priorities for 2018/19.
Altogether, almost 1800 written submissions were received by the time consultation closed at the end of March. The Board put forward five priorities – the development of a masterplan for the future reserve at Green Road in Dairy Flat ($55,000), contributing to the design of a multisport building at the Warkworth Showgrounds ($150,000), an indoor court facility at Huapai Domain, a single open space management plan ($80,000) and a transport targeted rate.
Transport concerns focused on congestion and travel times on State Highway 16 and at Hill Street, the general lack of public transport throughout Rodney, and the need to seal gravel roads.
There was also a perception that Auckland Council could not keep up with growth and address growth related issues, most notably traffic congestion, but also a lack of local services and facilities, and infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose.
A lot of submitters felt Council continued to focus on the CBD and did not provide enough services or spending in smaller towns, mainly Wellsford and Helensville, but also Kaukapakapa, Omaha and Matakana. There was frequent reference to feeling “forgotten”.
After considering the submissions, the Board confirmed that its main advocacy project in 2018/19 would be a local indoor courts facility on the Huapai Domain. It expects to contribute $1 million if Council funds the remaining $12.5 million.
The Board will also advocate for more funding for greenways in Rodney, more equitable funding across Auckland for art centres and community facilities, and more funding for compliance monitoring and enforcement. It also wants Council to spend more on drainage in Rodney.
