Why do we need to review the District Plan?

A review of the district plan allows communities to reassess environmental outcomes and priorities, and to redefine their vision for the future of the district.  This reflects the fact that we live in a changing environment with changing issues and levels of knowledge.
Some of the land-uses and practices that were considered normal and acceptable ten years ago may now be unacceptable due to cumulative adverse effects on the environment.  For instance, the effects of global warming and climate change need to be considered now to avoid future unsustainable land-use situations.

This review process has some guiding principles.

• We aim for a workable district plan following the ABC rule – accessible, basic and concise.
• We aim for a district plan that is South Waikato responsive.
• We want to identify and, where possible, resolve issues prior to the formal notification process.  This will be done by issuing a draft District Plan for informal comment, prior to the RMA process commencing.
• We aim for a district plan that encourages environmentally sustainable economic development.
• We aim for a district plan focused on planning issues and with a strong link between policies and rules.

These principles will guide the entire review process.

What does the review have to include?

The review of the district plan must be done in accordance with the RMA.  This includes the need to consider the objectives, policies and methods of the plan, and any alternatives, benefits and costs.  The review must give effect to national and regional policy statements, and consider management plans and strategies prepared under other legislation.  The review must also consider relevant entries in the Historic Places Register, the plans of regional councils, and neighbouring district councils.
The review process will identify where there are new issues that need to be addressed, and where there are gaps in the information we have.  This will result in the need for new research such as structure planning to provide for future growth, and updates of existing information such as natural and cultural heritage inventories.
The review must include consultation with the Crown, iwi authorities and the community.  Consultation occurs at various stages during the review process, and is required to ensure we have the best result for the community and the environment.

How long is all this going to take?

To date most of the work has been around planning the review to make sure it is done properly.  Work has already started on research projects such as the Inventory of Significant Natural Areas and District Landscape Assessments.  The results of these projects will feed into the review process.
Much of the plan writing will occur during the second half of 2010.  There will then be a period of legal review prior to notification of the plan for submissions in early 2012.  Once the plan has been publicly notified and submissions received, these will need to be addressed through a statutory process including hearings, prior to the plan becoming operative.

What happens to the operative District Plan while the review is happening?

The operative district plan will continue to be the guiding document during the review process.  Once the proposed district plan, i.e. the new reviewed plan, is notified, it will also have some effect.  During this time all resource consents will be processed with reference to both the operative and the proposed plan.  Where there is a difference between the two plans, the most restrictive rules will apply until a decision has been made about the status of the proposed plan.

How does this affect me?

Sustainable management of resources in the district affects everyone; whether you are planning an activity that may have effects on those resources, or may be affected now or in the future by someone else’s actions.  The district plan is the means by which Council can promote sustainable management and avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of land-use.

The review of the district plan is your opportunity to identify priorities, and what your expectations are for particular areas and resources.  It is an opportunity for you to support the protection and management of those places and resources for future generations.