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Housing stalled for more transport funds

Author
Sam Thompson,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 Jun 2015, 4:06PM
File photo
File photo

Housing stalled for more transport funds

Author
Sam Thompson,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 Jun 2015, 4:06PM

UPDATED 4.05PM: The Auckland Council has put on hold three applications for affordable housing in west Auckland.

It wants the Government to come to the party and fund the transport infrastructure needs of the Kumeu Huapai area - before giving the green light to the housing developments.

The breakdown is being seen as a sign of growing tension between the council and central government, over the steep cost of providing services to developments on the city fringe.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse believes the local community has made it clear that the area is already heavily congested and not well serviced by public transport.

"We want the government to partner with Auckland to fund our transport needs appropriately starting with things like the north-west busway and improved rail to Kumeu Huapai."

Housing Minister Nick Smith says the Government can override the Council on the projects if it chooses to.

"But ultimately, if the Auckland Council overplays it's cards, the legislation does make the provision for the government to approve SHA's."

But Labour Leader Andrew Little says Dr Smith shouldn't go in with his boots flying.

"He should take a deep breath, take a step back, and work with the Auckland Council."

Prime Minister John Key insists the council needs to dig deeper.

"I don't want to go and critique their spending budget, that's for another day. But we can all go and have a look at exactly where they're spending money, where their priorities are and how they fit in."

And Housing Minister Nick Smith says the Government can override the Council on the projects if it chooses to.

"Ultimately, if the Auckland council overplays its card, the legislation does make provision for the government to approve SHA's without the approval of the council."

Transport Blog editor Matt Lowrie says there is already considerable congestion in Kumeu Huapai and people struck in traffic is not a good outcome for anyone.

"It's not good for people, for the environment, for the council, and it will ultimately mean we will have to spend more later on to fix up the mess."

"We're better to get that infrastructure in place now before we put thousands of people in there."

Labour's urging the Government to step in and provide infrastructure funding.

Andrew Little says there's no question the special housing area policy is coming apart.

And he rejects the Housing Minister's position the Council should pay given it will get future rates revenues from the housing areas.

"That's all very well from an academic point of view, it sounds like a typical Nick Smith argument. Actually, people are needing and wanting these houses now. We need the houses to be built now."

 

 

 

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