Download Strategy to look at water resources in western Bay

MEDIA RELEASE
Strategy to look at water resources in
western Bay
For immediate release: 10 December 2009
With demand for water in the western Bay of Plenty expected to more than double during the next 50
years (based on current demand), Environment Bay of Plenty is developing a Water Sustainability
Strategy for the area.
Environment Bay of Plenty Policy and Planning Committee Chair Raewyn Bennett said the strategy
would look at how water is managed in the long-term and what opportunities there were for areas where
water is plentiful.
“Domestic, industrial, agricultural and horticultural uses for water are intensifying and will need to be
balanced with the protection of the natural environment for future use, cultural significance, enjoyment
and economic opportunities,” Councillor Bennett said.
“In other regions, such as Canterbury, problems have arisen when water demand and supply become
unbalanced - this strategy seeks to address those possible future problems now and seize on the
opportunities for the future.”
Environment Bay of Plenty Group Manager Strategic Development Mary-Anne Macleod said the western
Bay of Plenty Water Sustainability Strategy would be based on the opportunities and issues identified for
the sub-region.
“We need to improve our knowledge of how much water is available for use and ensure that both surface
and groundwater resources are used as effectively as possible. We need a greater understanding of
water demand and supply – water management and our eco-system health can be threatened when the
demand for water exceeds water supply,” Ms Macleod said.
When developing the strategy, council will include:
 the effects on water quality from land intensification and water allocation;
 improving relationships between statutory agencies, water users and local communities for water
management; and
 the impacts of any future policy changes such as the Resource Management Act, national
environmental standards, treaty settlements and individual business decisions.
Environment Bay of Plenty is developing the strategy in conjunction with Tauranga City Council and
Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and has recently held workshops with key industry stakeholders
as well as presenting to the SmartGrowth Strategic Partners Forum, SmartGrowth Combined Tangata
Whenua Forum and the Western Bay of Plenty Maori Forum.
5 Quay Street, P O Box 364, Whakatane, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267)
Email: [email protected]
Pollution Hotline: 0800 73 83 93
Facsimile: 0800 ENV FAX (368 329)
Website: www.envbop.govt.nz
International: +64 7 9223390
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As well as providing guidance to the regional council, the strategy also fulfils a SmartGrowth requirement
to plan for water in the western Bay of Plenty.
Water sustainability strategies for other parts of the region are planned, with the Rangitaiki area to begin
in 2010/2011.
ENDS.
For further media information please contact Mary-Anne Macleod, Group Manager Strategic
Development on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or Amanda Weatherley, Senior Communications
Advisor, on 0800 ENV AUTO (368 288) ext 8150 or (021) 923 339.