By Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers.
By Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers. As of 1 October, one of the biggest changes to Auckland’s local government structure since 2010 has taken effect, with significant transport responsibilities transferring from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council.
For most residents, the immediate change should be relatively invisible. However, responsibility for many decisions behind the scenes has changed.
Auckland Transport will focus primarily on operating public transport, including buses, ferries and trains. Auckland Council has taken over road and footpath maintenance and improvements, transport planning, project delivery, public parking, walking and cycling infrastructure, and other transport functions.
Councillors and Local Boards will have greater involvement in transport governance, policy and decision-making. The Mayor and Councillors will oversee arterial routes, while Local Boards will be responsible for local roads.
For Rodney, I see this as an important opportunity for our communities to have a greater say in transport decisions, with elected representatives more directly accountable for outcomes affecting local roads and transport networks.
Rodney has very different needs from Auckland’s urban areas. We have an extensive rural road network, unsealed and sealed roads, growing communities, increasing traffic pressures and significant connectivity challenges. Our priorities are different from the inner city.
It also creates opportunities to improve value for money through standardised designs, lower traffic management costs, greater efficiency and increased use of local contractors, while ensuring communities are properly consulted on significant changes.
There will inevitably be some teething issues as the new arrangements settle in. Residents should now contact Auckland Council to report problems with roads, footpaths and street lighting. Auckland Transport remains responsible for public transport services.
Transport is one of the biggest issues facing our communities. Balancing the maintenance of existing infrastructure with investment in future needs will be critical.
The reform gives Auckland Council a greater role. Now we must ensure it delivers better value, better decisions and better transport outcomes for every Auckland community — including Rodney.
