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Councillors to consider tolls referendum

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Tue, 2 Jun 2015, 5:57PM
(Photo: Newstalk ZB)
(Photo: Newstalk ZB)

Councillors to consider tolls referendum

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Tue, 2 Jun 2015, 5:57PM

Aucklanders could have the final word on the introduction of motorway tolls.

Councillors are voting today on whether a binding referendum should be required to introduce tolls.

Councillor Cathy Casey says councillors should appreciate that the city needs to have a say.

"If they woke up tomorrow morning and found that we'd introduced a network charge every time they went on the motorway, we'd be history."

Opposition is mounting to the tolling proposal.

Left-wing Casey also has the backing of right-wing councillor George Wood, in her campaign for a referendum.

Councillor Casey says Len Brown needs to listen to the people.

"It's always the people with the loudest voices that get heard, while most Aucklanders just get on with their lives."

The referendum may not be approved.

A recommendation being put to councillors suggests it would be too costly and regular consultation on the tolling proposal would be more cost-effective.

Development votes

Today's also the day for votes on a new development body and higher developer fees.

Development Auckland would be formed through the merging of Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Council Properties in the long-term plan.

It would need the go-ahead from councillors today and again in June.

Alongside the current roles of both organisations, it would also be charged with developing housing and infrastructure on unused public land.

The vote on higher developer fees, would take into account the costs incurred by the council with new developments.

It's faced some opposition, as the council is also trying to encourage more development to ease pressures on the property market.

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