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RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The big issues for Auckland's leaders
Auckland is expected significant growth in population by 2034, with another 200,000 people in the region. Photo: Stuff/Chris McKeen Auckland's rapid population growth is considered one of the key challenges for incoming council elected members, a report has revealed. The city's population is expected to jump to 2.3 million people over the next three decades, leaving questions on how Auckland Council will pay for the increased demand on services. Auckland Council's pre-election report, prepared to support the upcoming local elections, lists how leaders can best use resources for the region's future. Key issues identified were productivity and growth, infrastructure investment, asset management, climate resilience, community services and funding. Photo: Council chief executive Phil Wilson, in a statement, said the report will give Aucklanders and its future leaders greater awareness of the opportunities and challenges facing the region. "By 2034 we are projected to see an additional 200,000 Aucklanders joining our diverse community," Wilson said. "That is slightly more than Hamilton being added, in only nine years. This rapid growth brings increased demand for services and infrastructure, such as transport, water services, parks and community facilities." Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson. Photo: Supplied to RNZ Auckland was a vibrant and rapidly growing city, and council's elected members face some tough decisions over the next three years on how to pay for that growth on a tight budget, he said. "To accommodate this growth, we must confront the challenges our region faces, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. "These include addressing Auckland's relatively low productivity and lifting the region's economic growth to support development." Wilson said council exists to be an effective agent for the needs and aspirations of Aucklanders, and good governance should be prioritised. "To ensure this, it's vital that people standing for roles as mayor, councillors or local board members are well-informed as to the state of the city, key challenges and the council's financial situation." Current council strategies respond to growth by integrating land use and infrastructure planning, improving transport networks and advocating with central government for greater input into policy. However, Wilson said more will be required as the council continues to plan for a projected growth of 540,000 people over the next three decades - bringing Auckland's population to 2.3 million. "To increase productivity and influence positive growth, Auckland must address long-standing barriers, including congestion, infrastructure bottlenecks and regulation. "We also want to maintain the council's sustainable financial direction where we affordably deliver the infrastructure and services Aucklanders expect, to help them live their lives better." The council estimates the need to invest $295 billion on maintaining, operating, enhancing and growing Auckland's infrastructure over a 30-year timeframe. "Unlocking the potential created by infrastructure investment is an opportunity to be considered by our elected members, including working with central government agencies and other partners to identify and maximise the opportunities. "Infrastructure investment makes up 86% of the council's total budget to 2034, so it's a significant part of decision-making for elected members." Wilson said council must also respond to greater demand on its community services and an increasingly diverse community, with equally diverse needs. The current services require further investment to ensure they remain relevant, accessible and effective in addressing the changing needs of Auckland's communities, he said. The Pre-Election Report is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 2002, where council chief executives must prepare a report independently of the mayor and councillors. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community projects in Texas get almost $900,000 in latest round of LCRA grants
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Almost $900,000 has been awarded to various community projects across Texas in the latest round of grants by the Lower Colorado River Authority. The grants are awarded twice a year to projects across the LCRA's wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. In the latest round, $890,973 was awarded to 37 projects, including fire departments, museums, activity centers and youth athletic clubs. The funds are part of the agency's Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP), which to date has awarded 2,093 grants totaling more than $53 million. This time, five projects were granted the maximum $50,000 each: the Blessing Historical Foundation, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Kimble County Emergency Medical Services and the Frio Canyon Parks Association. 'A community is more than buildings and businesses. A community is a place where people live, work and raise their families. It's where people build their lives,' said LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson. 'We are pleased to provide these grants to help these communities continue to thrive through projects such as improving museums, libraries and civic centers, and providing first responders much-needed equipment.' MORE: Here are the LCRA community project grants awarded in June 2024 Volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, cities and counties, schools, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofits are eligible to receive a grant. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 in grant funding must give matching funds of at least 20% of the total project cost. The application period for the next round of grants closes at midnight on Jan. 31. You can apply online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
