Regional Council plans for 2017
I hope you’ve all had a chance to relax with family and friends over Christmas-New Year and to recharge the batteries.
My wife Janet and I spent this time at home at Te Pahu with our family and took day trips such as going to Raglan and walking the Karamu Track.
As we truly get into our stride in the new term at Waikato Regional Council, we have both opportunities and challenges ahead over how best to manage our natural resources and deliver economic benefits. A key part of this multi-faceted work is working collaboratively and constructively with our residents. Such co-operation will continue to be essential.
Major bits of work coming up in 2017 include Progressing Plan Change 1 for the Waikato and Waipa rivers, the council’s response to the Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari plan for the Hauraki Gulf and looking at water take consents.
We’ll also be investigating issues in readiness for reviewing the council’s 10-year long term plan in 2018.
I encourage people to learn more about Plan Change 1, consider what the implications may be for your own property and industry, and then to make a submission by 8 March.
The multi-sector Collaborative Stakeholder Group did a great job in formulating Plan Change 1 but, as with any plan, there is always the opportunity for clarification or amendment.
Later in the year, submissions will be heard and considered by a panel of five independent commissioners. The council will also be closely considering the requirements for implementing the plan.
Now that the Sea Change plan has been published, the council will need to consider priorities, timelines and costs as it looks to implement recommendations. A working group is to be formed to recommend the most equitable method of charging water take consent holders.
There will be a review of the Waikato regional public transport plan. This will be an opportunity for strategic planning for public transport and transport systems throughout the region.
Due to the increasing number of schools involved, the Enviroschools programme will be reviewed to assess effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
The council is a significant financial supporter of the Waikato Means Business strategy.
Exploiting the regional economic development opportunities it identifies will require a unified and integrated approach.
Your Waikato Regional Council is determined to be a key team in contributing to our Waikato region being an even better place in which to live, work and play.
Alan Livingston is chair of Waikato Regional Council. The views expressed are his own.
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