North Shore City Councillor, Chris Darby summarises the year that was with the Super City focus and malaise in the North Shore Council, the Super City Third Bill, future Harbour crossing options and how to create a positive future for the North Shore and Auckland.
“If we give the new Mayor of Auckland the powers he or she will need – we could have a great future. But the work of the North Shore Council has slowed up dramatically because of the focus on the Super City amalgamation,” he said today.
“Auckland is the economic powerhouse of the country and hasn’t yet been able to fulfill its potential. And we have to safeguard the fantastic natural environment we have in Auckland,” he said.
“I am committed to the Shore and the possibilities that we have here”
But Mr Darby does not believe that the leadership that Auckland really needs is available yet.
“I am not sure John Banks is the right man for Auckland and Len Brown is an absolute inspiration – but can he relate to the wider interests of all of Auckland?”
“I am open to the idea of a vibrant candidate for the mayoralty who can map out a healthy future for Auckland.”
On transport issues Mr Darby emphasises the necessity of private cars taking a secondary role in the future.
“In the last twelve months the Auckland Regional Transport Committee defined and outlined the 30 year regional transport strategy. The past has only looked ahead ten years. We need long term strategy rather than reacting to short term problems. In February we will asses submissions.”
“Private transport has to take a secondary role long terms. The ferry services will become increasingly important and will all be expanded.”
“We need to define time lines on a future harbour crossing whether rail or tunnel.”
“The new ‘clippons’ don’t have the life that we were hoping for – the next major upgrade of the clippons will remove them – by then we need additional crossings.”
“All harbour options need further investigation – but we need to commit to a decision.”
“Train, freight and public transport options are the priority rather than the private motorist options.”
“NSCC has commiteed to the tunnel options, but we need ot align that tunnel with rail options. Pedestrian and cyclists long term may be going on to the exixting bridge.”
“In 2009 NSCC has also been a leader in the outflall project in Mairang Bay, we upgraded the waste water treatment plant, we have reduced waste water stream, we have been leaders in recycling and we have been key players at Central Govt in terms of legislation on waste,” he said.
“But there is a lot of work required in terms of the pollution of the harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. We are not spending enough money on the contamination of the harbour and gulf.”
“During the year the sea slugs issue highlighted the absolute passion we have for our marine environement. People of Auckland love our harbour. The toxic sea slugs highlighted that passion. We dont know what caused the problem. The feisty meeting we had highlighted the passions that we need to see about local issues.”
“Whatever the issue is I can be contacted at chrisdarby.co.nz”
Related posts:
- Mayor Williams – “Auckland will be held to ransom”
- Time for action on harbour crossing has arrived says North Shore Mayor
