Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council has submitted 31 projects totalling $319 million after a call from central government to councils across New Zealand to put forward proposed environmental development projects to feed into the May budget. The projects, if funded, will assist the government in their post-COVID-19 economic recovery objectives.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee believes these investments can set Auckland on a path for decades to come.
“Our priority to protect and restore our environment has not changed. These projects will help reset our economy and provide quality jobs, whilst ensuring we are able to meet future challenges.
“There’s a real opportunity here for us to lead the world in a sustainable economic recovery. I’m proud of how hard everyone in our city has worked through this crisis, and the employment opportunities provided by the environmental projects can make sure we are in the strongest place for recovery.”
To meet the criteria set by the Government, projects must be able to provide employment opportunities, generate environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits and involve collaboration with iwi, government and non-government organisations.
All projects that have been submitted by council align with current environmental plans and policies and have been taken from existing work programmes, planned programmes and priorities identified by elected members.
Some projects were included in the recent “shovel ready” submissions including the Kaipara Moana remediation project and kauri dieback track upgrade work.
Of the latest submissions, Mahurangi East land restoration and the 2-in-a-ute expansion programme are two of the largest projects. Others include:
- Kaipara Peninsulas pest suppression programme
- Revegetation of Awhitu Peninsula/Te Korowai o Papatuanuku
- Puhinui Reserve restoration
- Awaawaroa and Te Matuku Bay Catchment enhancement project
- Mahurangi East land restoration
- planting on regional and local parks
- track upgrades on regional and local parks to prevent kauri dieback spread
The proposed projects will enhance the natural environment, improve water quality, promote sustainable land use and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaption.
Where possible projects will have little or no legislative constraints which will allow them to commence as soon as funding available. Projects will be co-designed and co-delivered with mana whenua.
Click here to view a PDF list of the projects.
