The Auckland Council has released it's draft plan for the next 30 years. The main page is here. The "Auckland Unleashed" discussion document is here. How you can provide your feedback is found here.
This is a very important opportunity to ensure that our voices are raised in support for the future Auckland needs.
Generally....
As the era of cheap oil comes to a close it is more urgent and important than ever that we do all we can to ensure Auckland - and New Zealand - begins to prepare now. We need to support plans to build a fast and efficient public transport system that can keep our city and country moving and working. Whether supplies of oil are interrupted by war or revolution or become ever more expensive due to increasingly intense competition for supply, supporting public transport NOW is a key part of protecting the livelihoods for ourselves and our families in the years ahead.
We also need to do all we can to ensure Auckland grows in a way that makes sense. One of the reasons property rates are so high is because we need so much of it to support our relatively low density land development. Higher densities in designated corridors give clear signals to home builders and businesses about where to locate themselves. This also allow more efficient and cost-effective provision of all services to both home and businesses.
Protecting water sources and watershed areas from development will allow Auckland to maintain a high level of water quality. This should be done in a transparent and accountable way, as a public service. We all have a right to water. We can't allow any gatekeepers to effectively "own" it for their own profit at the expense of all of us.
There is much more. They are all important issues and they will have a direct effect on our futures. Now is the time to make sure our voices are heard promoting a livable, workable city in the years ahead for the 2 million-plus people who will live here...and they are already arriving every day.
