Each year we plan the projects and initiatives we will deliver in your local board area. These are based on our 2017 Local Board Plan, which sets our three-year direction.
We are seeking your input on our proposals for the 2018/2019 financial year.
Message from the chair
We are excited to start the preparation of our work programme for 2018/2019, which will be the first year we start delivering on our 2017 local board plan.
Recently we presented our business case to the Governing Body to fund the shortfall to build a multi-storey park-and-ride facility at the Papakura train station. This project is widely supported by the community and will encourage more people to use public transport.
As a board, we would like to offer alternative transport routes to free up our local roads from congestion, by continuing the development and implementation of our 'Papakura Greenways - Local Path Plan'.
You have told us that the Papakura town centre needs to be a safer and more vibrant place and that this remains a key priority for you. We agree and we are proposing to continue to invest in programmes that address these matters.
We will continue to work with local communities on the concept design and fit out for the Takanini Community Hub and Library. Building work on this facility is expected to start in July 2019. Over the past year we have also started work with the community on Smiths Avenue to breathe new life into the community space down there. These pieces of work will provide us with two local community hubs and places for people to come together.
We would love to hear from you during the consultation period about whether or not you feel we have our priorities right. I encourage you to please come and have your say at one of local events.
What we propose in your local board area in 2018/2019
In 2018/2019 we plan to invest $7.6 million to renew and develop assets and $12.3 million to maintain and operate these assets in your local board area as well as prioritise other local initiatives you have told us are important.
Our key priorities include:
- working together with Papakura businesses, community groups, the police and the Papakura Business Association to address perceptions of safety of the Papakura town centre. We will also further implement the recommendations that have come out of a town centre safety review, which may include an upgrade of the current CCTV system
- funding a comprehensive programme for mangrove removal, including maintenance and removal
- protecting local heritage by working with mana whenua and the Papakura Museum to identify wāhi tapu (sacred places), taonga (treasures) and heritage buildings and start the development of a Papakura heritage trial
- investing in solar panels and a cover for the Massey Park Pool, which will extend the swimming season and usage of the Massey Park external pool.
Our key advocacy project
The Papakura train station is the third busiest station on the Rapid Transit Network, with Britomart being the first followed by Newmarket. With the amount of growth taking place in Papakura and surrounding areas, the expectation is that passenger numbers will only grow.
Building a multi-storey park-and-ride facility near the station is a project that has also been prioritised by Auckland Transport in their 10-year budget, however there is currently a $2.5 million funding gap.
You have given us strong feedback that transport, and specifically the congestion on our local roads, is a priority matter that needs to be addressed. Local residents who live in the area surrounding the Papakura train station have also expressed their concerns around train users parking in residential streets.
We have heard that message loud and clear and that is why the board has been advocating to the Governing Body to fund the project shortfall in the 10-year Budget for this building.
When built, the new park-and-ride facility will provide for another 300 parking spaces on top of the 310 spaces currently available.
What do you think?
- Have we got our priorities right? We would welcome your feedback:
- Do you support us funding town centre safety initiatives, which may include the investment in an upgrade of the current CCTV system?
- What do you think about our intent to provide funding for a mangrove removal programme?
- We feel our local heritage is important and plan to invest in the development of a heritage trial. Do you agree with this priority?
- Do you support the investment in solar panels and a cover for the Massey Park outdoor pool?
Our key advocacy project:
- Do you support our advocacy for a multi-storey park-and- ride facility at the Papakura train station?
