Ten-year plan paves way for Auckland's transformation

The adoption of Auckland Council’s first draft Long-term Plan 2012-2022 (LTP) today signals the start of Auckland’s transformation.

After months of discussion, the council’s Strategy and Finance Committee approved the draft document to go out for public consultation, the first council in New Zealand to do so this year.

“I want to assure Aucklanders there has been a lot of debate on the content of this document as we balance the need to fund projects to support future growth and transform this city, while trying to keep the cost to ratepayers in check,” says committee chair, Councillor Penny Webster.

The Auditor-General Lyn Provost also congratulated the council on the milestone for “breaking new ground” in being the first 10-year plan in the country which combines both council and council-controlled organisations.

The committee has agreed to seek legislative change to allow it to consider a combined capping and phased approach to minimising the impact on ratepayers.

This option will be consulted on in addition to the previous proposed transition policy of applying an automatic remission for ratepayers with large increases.

“All of us are concerned about the level of increases to some ratepayers and have heard the concerns of our communities so it’s important we find the fairest solution possible,” says Cr Webster.

The additional option for consultation includes:
A cap of 10% increase for residential, farm and lifestyle properties in any one year, for three years. This will be balanced by a cap on the level of decreases
Phased approach for businesses – also over three years.

“Now we want the community to give us their views on all proposals in the draft LTP,” says Cr Webster.

The draft Long-Term Plan 2012-2022 outlines council’s prioritised activities and projects and how it intends to pay for them, over the next decade. It also includes information about how council manage its finances.

The draft LTP includes proposals on:
A single rates system
Changes to regulatory and non-regulatory fees and charges, including building and resource consents and dog registrations
Projects that boost Auckland’s economy
Investment in transport initiatives
Property development contributions
Urban development and natural environments

There is also information on local board agreements, which include local projects.

Aucklanders can have their say on the draft Long-term Plan from 24 February until 24 March 2012.