Franklin environment gets helping hand from targeted rates
▲Targeted rates have enabled work on detecting illegal connections to water networks to be speeded up.
Auckland Council has provided a breakdown of spending made possible by the water quality and natural environment targeted rates.
It has told Franklin Local Board that protecting the environment and waterways remains a priority.
Its 10-year budget ring-fences $311 million through a natural environment targeted rate for projects tackling pests, weeds and diseases threatening native species and ecosystems.
Another $452 million raised through a water quality rate will ensure cleaner beaches, streams and harbours.
Within Franklin, the funding is being used to investigate issues with water networks and to identify ways to make swimming sites safer.
There are investigations at Sandspit in Waiuku into illegal connections, and at Torkar Point at Clarks Beach on the same issue and to assess the need for an outlet upgrade.
Stream restoration projects have begun across the area with the work of local communities also supported
That work has included a partnership with Fonterra to collaborate on environmental sustainability initiatives, outfall improvements at Slippery Creek and Whangapouri, a Waterways Protection Fund for Wairoa that has seen $140,000 in grants to 16 landowners with restoration and protection activities.
Whakaupoko Landcare also received help towards employing a community coordinator to support riparian planting and restoration work along the Mauku Stream, and for implementing land owner engagement strategies.
Friends of Te Wairoa received similar funding for its catchment, with $20,000 for water quality work and $15,752 for the natural environment.
Pest plant and animal control in and around public parks have also been ramped up, with work underway at more than 20 reserves, alongside kauri dieback work and more than $500,000 being spent on increased deer, goat and possum control in the Hunua Ranges, Tāpapakanga and Waharau regional parks.