Frequently Asked Questions?
What is SmartGrowth?
SmartGrowth is a strategy developed to sustainably manage future growth in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region.
Who is implementing the SmartGrowth strategy?
The implementation of the strategy is being led jointly by Environment Bay Of Plenty, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council as well as Tangata Whenua.
Why are we doing this project?
The western Bay of Plenty has experienced rapid development since the 1950s. Throughout this period, local government organisations have worked together when needed to manage impacts of that growth.
Given current projections that growth will continue, it was time for the councils to jointly address growth issues for the next 20-50 year period in a more co-ordinated manner.
How much will it cost and who will pay?
The costs are being shared by the three councils, based on an agreed formula reflecting population, rateable value and growth rates.
Contributions are as follows: Environment Bay of Plenty $900,000, Tauranga City Council $900,000, Western Bay of Plenty District Council $340,000.
What kind of issues did the study look at?
SmartGrowth looked at a wide range of social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues to ensure that the reasons for growth are fully understood, future growth was estimated as accurately as possible and the needs and impacts of growth were identified and addressed.
What are the benefits for me?
SmartGrowth has delivered a plan for managing growth in a way that will ensure the needs of both present and future citizens are taken into account. Implementation of this plan will ensure that the quality of life that attracted people to this area in the first place is at least maintained and hopefully enhanced.
The benefits of SmartGrowth will be in having an understanding of the likely future for the western Bay of Plenty, the costs of growth and how the community should be responding to this.
In the short term, information on population and housing trends will be of great community interest. It will be valuable to businesses, public, private sector organisations and other community service providers.
SmartGrowth will provide the community with advance warning of issues before they become practical problems and will seek public input in solving them.
SmartGrowth will provide a basis for establishing partnerships between organisations dealing with growth and with this will come opportunities for more effective and efficient use of public money.
The benefits in having an improved quality of life may well be felt more by your children and grandchildren.
How can I be involved?
If you wish to be involved, one thing you can do is to register with SmartGrowth to receive a two monthly newsletter. This will provide you with key information as the work progresses.
Where can I get more information?
You can email us at info@smartgrowthbop.org.nz, send mail to
P O Box 13231,
Tauranga
or call on 0800 SMTGRO.