Updated 4.15pm: Aucklanders can now get a better idea of their mayor's long-term plan for the city.

Newstalk ZB's Dylan Moran is there as Len Brown launches the council's draft, long term plan for public submissions.

"Mr Brown has promised not to close any pools, recreation centres or libraries, but he says Aucklanders will have to choose between more cuts to council services, or higher rates, as the council looks to shave $3 billion of its projected debt."

In the plan transport spending is set at $6.9 billion dollars - just enough to maintain the current system and proposals such as the City Rail Link.

The mayor says in order to introduce other projects, including the Northwestern busway, more money will need to be found.

Residents will have to choose from an additional 1% rise paired with a 1.2% fuel tax, or a two dollar motorway toll.

Mr Brown admits the proposal will be controversial.

"Of course there will be people who won't be supportive, but we've had a pretty mature debate over the last three or four years about this, everyone knows this discussion has been coming and it's time for a decision."

Campaign for Better Transport spokesman Cameron Pitches says they prefer the petrol tax option.

"With prices so low now would be a painless time to introduce a variable fuel tax to benefit not just Auckland, but the rest of New Zealand as well."

Meanwhile there's support for the suggestion by Auckland Transport chairman Lester Levy to build a tram network in Auckland using private investment.

Road Transport Forum CEO, Ken Shirley, says public-private partnerships for such projects are widely and successfully used around the world - including in Sydney.

The council's funding options include fuel taxes and motorway tolls - but the forum is urging it to look at other options such as private investment, borrowing and assets sales.

Mr Shirley says the road freight industry also needs more detail so it can assess the impact of a light rail network on the sector.