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Auckland Unleashed fails to provide a clear direction
Auckland Plan discussion document fails to provide a clear strategic direction for the environment
EDS has lodged its submission on the Auckland Plan discussion document Auckland Unleashed.
"The discussion document is a good start," said EDS Senior Policy Analyst Raewyn Peart. "But it fails to articulate a clear strategic direction for Auckland's natural environment, including its coastal and marine areas.
"Auckland's natural environment is highly valued and a key part of Auckland's identity. Unfortunately the high level goals of the discussion document fail to recognise this.
"The Auckland Plan provides an important opportunity for the Council to establish specific and clear land use policies. In particular, it needs to establish a compact and sustainable urban form within clearly defined metropolitan urban limits."
"Remaining undeveloped areas of coast are very highly valued by Aucklanders. The Auckland Plan needs to make it crystal clear that future coastal development will not be permitted to extend into these areas."
"Urban development and rural intensification in highly valued natural areas must be avoided. Both "Go" and "No-go" areas for development should be identified and the spatial extent of these areas depicted on maps in the Auckland Plan.
"It is disappointing that the discussion document has not identified the nationally and regionally significant recreational areas, open-space areas, ecological areas, landscapes, areas of historic heritage value, and natural features as required under the Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Act 2010.
"The Auckland Plan must be considerably more specific, in order to meet the requirements of the legislation.
"The discussion document is also deficient in its consideration of the adverse effects of Auckland's growth and development on marine ecosystems and threatened species.
"We expect to see a map that shows a "blue network" of such areas throughout the coastal marine area and which clearly makes them off-limits for incompatible activities.
"We will be working with the Auckland Council to help ensure these deficiencies are addressed," concluded Ms Peart.
To read EDS's submission to the Auckland Council click here.
ENDS
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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