28 Jun 2018

Auckland Council signs off on 10-year plan

5:55 pm on 28 June 2018

Auckland Council has officially signed off on a 10-year plan with its largest ever transport investment of $12 billion.

Phil Goff is calling it the 'build-it budget'.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff Photo: RNZ/Todd Niall

A regional fuel tax, which comes into effect on Sunday in Auckland, was expected to cover $4.3bn of the budget.

Read about rising fuel prices:

  • Govt raises excise duty on fuel by 10.5 cents
  • Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the council would invest in infrastructure to respond to Auckland's unprecedented population growth.

    "Auckland has to pay its fair share to meet the cost of that investment and we are doing that through the Regional Fuel Tax.

    "The $4.3 billion extra investment this unlocks enables us to make a number of critical transport improvements across our region."

    Other investments in the plan included $450m to deal with the city's stormwater infrastructure, and a $311m fund for protecting the environment.

    "The council can tackle Auckland's water quality issues, improving the health of our beaches and waterways with substantial investment in our waste and storm water infrastructure, and protect our native species including kauri," Mr Goff said.

    The budget also set up a $40m Climate Change Response Fund and an extra $90m in coastal asset management.

    The plan limited general rates rises to 2.5 percent until 2019.

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