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MOVED
by Chairperson K Smith, seconded by Member R Smith:
That the Albert-Eden Local
Board:
a) tuku /
provide feedback on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport
Governance) Amendment Bill to inform the council’s draft submission as
follows:
Purpose of Bill
b) support
the return of functions, except public transport, from Auckland Transport to
Auckland Council in the interests of democratic accountability.
c) support
strengthening the relationship between Government and Auckland Council in
long term integrated transport planning and investment.
Reformed transport
council-controlled organisation (CCO)
d) support
a statutory transport council-controlled organisation (CCO) with the primary
function to provide public transport services within Auckland, noting further
clarity is required to understand the roles and responsibilities between
Auckland Council as the road controlling authority, and the Transport CCO,
for example who is ultimately responsible for public transport service and
infrastructure within the road corridor.
Allocated powers to local boards
(Schedule 4)
e) support
in principle the powers allocated to local boards.
f) note
that local boards play a key role in the development of town centre upgrades,
however these are normally on arterial roads but are of high interest to
local business associations and residents with whom local boards have
relationships.
g) request
that local boards be closely involved in decision making relating to town
centres.
Auckland Roading Classification
Framework
h) seek
clarification on whether the Governing Body or local boards will be
responsible for unformed legal roads (paper roads).
Transport bylaws
i) support
measures where new bylaws are developed in agreement between the Governing
Body and local boards, including that Auckland Council may make a bylaw if
the majority of local boards must agree and Governing Body considers that the
local boards that have not agreed to it have unreasonably withheld their
agreement.
j) note
that the proposed framework where both the Governing Body and local boards
must agree to a bylaw is likely to create additional time and process in
bylaw development.
Transition period
k) support
the 6-month transition period between, likely between March and September
2026.
l) recommend
that transitional arrangements be guided by the following principles:
i) maintain all existing levels of service
ii) deliver on contractual arrangements
iii) ensure delivery of existing work programmes
iv) provide continuity of service
v) ensure that there are no reduced customer
satisfaction levels
vi) staff are supported during the transition period.
Other matters
m) note these
operational matters for Auckland Council consideration:
i) request that transport strategy, policy and
planning is informed by the newly established Auckland Development Office to
ensure broader urban development and place-making outcomes are achieved.
ii) note
that training, support and quality advice is fundamental to supporting local
boards’ fulfilling these additional powers, functions and
responsibilities successfully and that they it will significantly increase
the workload for local board members.
iii) request
that guidelines be created which support local board collaboration,
especially when transport outcomes may extend beyond one local board area.
iv) note
the possibility of impacting negatively on the internal dynamics of local
boards.
v) potential
for confusion if subdivisions and/or adjoining local boards views are not
aligned.
vi) increase
workload for elected members and staff will need to be addressed.
vii) query
the assessment process for the allocation of capex budget given these are
significant and currently allocated regionally or sub-regionally.
viii) seek
clarity on whether local boards can independently apply for contestable
Government funding, for example the historic Urban Cycleways Fund.
ix) request
a review by the independent Remuneration Authority to assess whether new
determinations are needed to reflect the additional responsibilities being
given to local board members.
x) note
the importance of retaining qualified experienced Auckland Transport staff
and supporting them through the transition to Auckland Council.
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