MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 17 July 2024
On behalf of SmartGrowth
New SmartGrowth Strategy released
A new strategy that addresses growth and guides the future of the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region is now out.
The SmartGrowth Strategy2024-2074 builds on previous strategies to address the needs of housing, land, infrastructure, transport, community development, tangata whenua values and aspirations, and the natural environment.
SmartGrowth, a collaboration between Bay of Plenty Regional, Tauranga City, and Western Bay of Plenty District councils, tangata whenua, and central government, is committed to innovating how we handle growth. The new strategy shifts from past practices to adapt to current realities and future needs, while preserving what we value most about our communities.
SmartGrowth Chair, Andrew Turner, says the SmartGrowth Strategy is more than just a document, it is a commitment to address the pressing issues facing our communities, given the rapid growth of the sub-region.
"The SmartGrowth Strategy is about how we work together to create a better place for ourselves and for our tamariki and rangatahi. It’s about delivering real life solutions and relief to our communities. Things like more robust and sustainable transport infrastructure, enough capacity for housing and business, and urgent action on environmental protection and enhancement.
"Rapid growth puts incredible pressure on our roads and housing supply. Key infrastructure and features like new roads, pipes and parks are not in place yet. In fact, to accommodate the roughly 280,000 people who will call this place home by 2050,we're going to need up to 43,000 new homes. We are faced with a severe shortage of affordable housing that we need to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community.”
The development of this strategy was a highly inclusive process, incorporating over 500 community summary points raised through 86 submissions and 30 public speakers, which led to adjustments to strengthen the strategy's relevance and effectiveness.
"We heard impassioned pleas from tangata whenua, businesses owners, environmental groups, the social sector, whānau, housing providers, and everyone in between for more robust transportation infrastructure, innovative housing solutions, and urgent action on environmental sustainability.
“There have been occasions where community feedback prompted us to reconsider certain aspects of the strategy. For example, we have committed to a thorough analysis of how District Plans are enabling housing for Māori on whenua Māori and in urban areas to ensure consenting and other Council processes support efficient housing development and have added an inter-regional passenger rail business case as an action in the proposed Implementation and Funding Plan.
Andrew notes that the final Implementation and Funding Plan, which is still under development, may differ from initial expectations as it adapts to the increasingly constrained funding environment and complex policy landscape.
“We closely monitoring these changes and will take every opportunity to deliver the outcomes that our community expects, including a well-connected urban environment with improved accessibility for all.”
Now, it is up to SmartGrowth partners - Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, tangata whenua, and central government - to put the strategy into practice. This includes prioritising delivery and funding, ensuring long-term plans and budgets align with the strategy, and reflecting strategic priorities through the final Implementation and Funding Plan.
“The strategy will only be meaningful if it leads to measurable improvements in people's lives, with clear concrete actions and outcomes capable of being implemented.
“The intention is for this not to be a static document. It will be a living plan that will evolve and adapt to changing circumstances and opportunities. We want to ensure that it reflects the aspirations and needs of our community, both now and in the future.”
For a detailed read of the SmartGrowth Strategy 2023 or the decision document visit www.smartgrowthbop.org.nz
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For further information please contact: administration@smartgrowthbop.org.nz
