Waitakere recommends 2.97 percent rates increase

 Waitakere’s Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) and Annual Plan Committee has recommended a council controlled total rate increase of 2.97 percent ($1 a week for the average household) for the 2009-2010 financial year.

External levies outside of the council’s control which it is required by law to collect amount to a further 1.98 percent (65 cents per week).

The full council will consider the recommendation on June 30 after the plan and budget has been to the Auckland Transition Agency and Audit New Zealand for their approval.

Over the next 10 years the budget includes funding of $443.7 million for the extensive development of New Lynn and the Northern Strategic Growth Area (NORSGA) from Westgate to Hobsonville. The revitalisation of New Lynn is expected to generate 12,000 new jobs and the NORSGA development is one of the most significant and complex projects in New Zealand offering many lifestyle benefits to the people of Waitakere and the Auckland region and major opportunities for the development of the community.

The development of these growth centres and associated infrastructure are central to the council’s target of providing for 60 percent of local employment for the city’s residents.

The budget also includes $1 million for the McLaren Park / Henderson South community facility, a Rugby World Cup contribution of $795,000 in year two of the plan and $1.6 million in year three, a $300,000 upgrade of the Corban Art Estate, $30,000 for the Waitakere City Orchestra and a continuation of the mobile library service following submissions on those projects from the community.

Altogether the council received more than 350 submissions to the LTCCP with many submitters taking the opportunity to have their say in front of the committee.

Committee chair Councillor Janet Clews says the budget and plan are the culmination of many months of work and community engagement.

“We put a lot of energy, hard work and thought into striking a balance between being fiscally responsible in tough economic times while still investing in the future growth and development of the west,” she says.

“We still need to invest in infrastructure to unlock employment and economic stimulus and to deliver what we must, for now and future generations.”