Thank you to those who let us know your views in our consultation with our local community about our proposed Waitemata Local Board Plan, which concluded on 13 August.
At our November extraordinary meeting we will decide on which of your ideas are priorities and that we have the capacity to respond to and include in an amended Local Board Plan. The final Plan will guide our actions for the next three years. Auckland Council’s proposed ‘emergency budget’, its response to the financial impacts of COVID-19, was decided on by the Governing Body at the end of July. It inevitably meant substantial cuts to the infrastructure projects, maintenance, and community services, although fortunately not to the library hours, provided by the Council.
At our Waitemat-a Local Board meeting on 18 August, conducted by Skype, we resolved on our own remaining budget. We reluctantly accepted the governing body decision to sell the villa at 3 Ponsonby Road, but requested that the proceeds from its sale are directed to contribute to the cost of the restoration of the Leys Institute buildings, which are sorely missed and highly valued by the community and the Board. A report on options for securing the future of the Leys Institute buildings will be on the agenda of our September 15 board meeting.
We also confirmed that proceeds from the sale of a commercial building at 200 Victoria Street go to fund the Ponsonby Park project at 254 Ponsonby Road and urged that that project only be delayed by a year. We decided to postpone the Myers Park Medley by a year to help minimise any cuts in valued Council services. We will continue to sponsor the Franklin Road Lights and maintain valuable community, environmental, climate change and most transport safety services.
The Board is continuing its support for the arts and creative industries through TAPAC, Studio One and the Space Hub. We have used our own budget to restore Council’s cuts in programmes at the Ellen Melville Centre. Fortunately, the Ponsonby, Parnell, and Grey Lynn Community Centres are entering the second year of three-year funding agreements and their grants will not be affected.
We are very much aware that some people will find it difficult to pay their rates this year. Council has developed and agreed to provision for postponement and rebates to help, and people and businesses in this situation should not hesitate to contact Council to apply for this relief.
At our 18 August meeting we amended and adopted a strategic plan for the Western Springs Lakeside Park. Riparian planting will take place to improve the water quality and protect wildlife. The playground will be upgraded, with a nature theme. In response to public submissions, the double hump bridge will be kept. At our September meeting we will consider the future of the pine forest on the eastern slopes of the Park.
Regarding other issues: The Waitemata Local Board is opposing an application to extend the operating hours of a helicopter pad in Cremorne Street. We all need to remind ourselves to maintain hand washing and social distancing to combat the return of COVID-19. Because of the drought we all need to reduce our water use. (RICHARD NORTHEY)
Although the Board Office may be closed at times, I can be contacted at 021 534 546 or richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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