Actions for Further Growth & Wellbeing

It’s been busy post-election and the big work has been planning how we will campaign for the changes we and our supporters believe are needed in our area, despite not gaining a seat on the Local Board. Just as in central government there is a role for an opposition party. The WestWards team is committed to working hard in fulfilling this role. Looking at the voting data, it’s obvious our local board area has three distinct groups, two urban suburbs, Titirangi representing 29%, Glen Eden 31% and the smaller Coastal and Foothills communities combining to make the last 40%. We will work for the Social, Economic and Environmental growth and well-being of all our communities. We raise the following points as important actions to create a sound foundation for the future growth and well-being of our communities;

1. Start and maintain lobbying of Auckland Council for under grounding (trenching, as in New Lynn) the rail line through Glen Eden. (Goal; to stop the rail tracks being a barrier to Glen Eden’s physical future growth. Removing the conflict between road and rail traffic at the crossing and allowing for more roadways, cycleways and walkways in the future to further alleviate Glen Eden’s traffic congestion)
2. Changing the proposed development on the corner of Glenview Road and Waikumete Rd from a 10 story apartment block to a multilevel (less than 10) “park and ride” car park. (Goal; adequate parking conveniently close to Glen Eden railway station is the key to inducing more Glen Eden and foothills residents to commute to Auckland from our area via rail)
3. Engage with Auckland Transport for practical solutions to traffic congestion points across the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area, in particular Titirangi Village/Titirangi Primary School roundabout and Parrs Park roundabouts. (Goal; improved traffic flow, reduced commuting times, reduced fossil fuel wastage and in the foothills and coastal areas improved foot paths and cycle-ways to improve public safety)
4. Increased funding for the Glen Eden Business Improvement District (BID) over and above the levy placed on commercial rates charged to those inside the BID area. (Goal; prove to Glen Eden business owners and landlords that Council is serious about upgrading Glen Eden and “ring fence” all money raised for building appearance upgrades)
5. Upgrading (enlarging) the rail tunnel between Swanson and Waitakere, so double tracking of the rail line can be extended to this Local Board’s most northern community. (Goal; to give the Waitakere community the same benefit from having a rail line in their area, as Swanson and Glen Eden have already. To identify and set aside land close to Waitakere station for a large park and ride facility. Encouraging Waitakere foothills residents to use rail to commute)
6. Significantly increase funding for pest control in the ranges and foothills. (Goal; to aim for eradication of possums, stoats, weasels, feral cats and pigs)
7. Negotiating with Auckland Council Rate relief for landowners in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. (Goal; to reduce pressure for subdivision in the WRHA)
8. Support of community recreational facilities. (Goal; to encourage outdoor physical pursuits and activities especially for youth)
9. Advocate for a Local Works Department and employ local contractors for local public road maintenance, etc. (Goal; bring decision-making of small maintenance activities closer to the end users, at the same time returning local rate money back to the community)
10. Advocate for increased Ranger staff numbers in our coastal areas and parkland (especially on weekends). Engage with Concessionaires to run outdoor pursuit activities like tramping, swimming, boating, and fishing, etc. (Goal; to lessen visitor impact on the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast despite the inevitable increase in numbers of public exercising their right to access)
11. At all times (where practical), ensure all funding grants are awarded within Waitakere Ranges Local Board boundaries.