My Account
One month of 2017 has already gone wow! So much to do. The beautiful weather that summer brings looks like it has finally arrived.
The draft annual Auckland Plan will be open for discussion and submission soon. I urge you all to have a say.
Everyone wants things in their local areas but don’t want rates to increase, so how are we going to get things done to make our area a place that we love living in but also an area where tourists can come and enjoy our magnificent scenery and facilities? This is what shapes the beautiful area we live in. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Plan for the next three years is underway and will be going out for consultation later in the year.
My aim is to achieve what the community asked at a public meeting some 12 years ago – that the Penlink Now Team achieve Penlink in whatever way as soon as possible.
As a Local Board member Penlink has been my prime goal and I take the opportunity at any meeting, place or subject to claim the benefits of this critical project. I was very heartened to see the Mayor’s comments on Penlink in the latest Hibiscus Matters. Late in 2015 The Chair and I met with Michael Barnett CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. We explained to Michael that not having Penlink was inhibiting employment growth in Silverdale, where zoned land was under pressure by developers to be used for residential. We also indicated that business, both in Silverdale and Whangaparaoa, were suffering. We were encouraged by the Chamber’s response: meetings were held with local businesses, developers, investors and the Chamber. Last week we had a meeting with the Mayor Phil Goff, the Chamber of Commerce, Auckland Transport, former Rodney District Council staff and interested parties to get some indication as to next steps to achieve Penlink.
Mayor Goff readily agreed to the benefits of the $280m project, but pointed out that he was constrained by Council’s debt-to-revenue ratio. He encouraged the Chamber and other parties – Auckland Transport, NZTA (central government) and the local board to continue to seek ways to find ways to fund the project in a way that takes it off Council’s books. This is what we needed to hear, so Michael Barnett can now get a campaign underway seeking immediate action. This is where our community comes in to play; we need to have you behind us. Submission forms, photos and comments about the congestion you are experiencing can be emailed to mbarnett@chamber.co.nz or the Chamber’s website chamber.co.nz.
