How does SmartGrowth work?

Detailed information is provided for each action in the Implementation Plan. It includes an explanation, timeframe for completion, a list of lead and support agencies and cost estimates. It also acknowledges if any specific plan or policy document will be used to formally deliver the action, and notes any links the action may have to other actions in the Strategy.

There is a wide range of actions covering the full spectrum of development issues. Here are some of the key action areas over the next few years:

SmartGrowth Implementation Committee

The Committee was established to ensure continued collaboration of key partners, oversee implementation of the actions, monitor progress against milestones, and review and adjust the efforts as circumstances dictate.

Sub-regional Settlement Pattern

All the elements of the planned Sub-regional Settlement Pattern need to be formalised through the Regional Policy Statement to provide a framework and firm basis for long term implementation. This will create more certainty in the market, help to ensure land is used for appropriate purposes, and lessen speculative pressure on prices.

Intensification management areas

Investigation of intensification management areas at Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Central Isthmus will provide a vision and implementation plan for urban design, transport networks, open space and recreational facilities. This will define specific areas for intensification and provide draft policies ready for public consultation.

Iwi and hapu management plans

Preparation of these plans will serve as a base for Tangata Whenua decisions regarding their protection and development aspirations. These plans, along with mapping information on areas of significance to them, will provide a clearer picture of "cultural constraints" to future growth and development.

Greenfield development

Proper timing, location and design of residential development is important to retain the desired compact form of urban development with good amenity standards. This will also ensure there are no constraints in the supply of land, and will achieve efficiency in service provision.

Business land

Business and employment land needs to be provided in a balanced way with residential development (as set out in the Sub-regional Settlement Pattern).This will help to overcome shortages that have developed in the last two decades due to strategies that placed insufficient priority on business land provision (hindering employment growth).

Strategic Roading Network

A major public commitment has been made to the Strategic Roading Network. It has been confirmed as an appropriate long-term strategy, subject to land-use location and timing decisions being made that will maximise benefit from the investment. Continued implementation is crucial and is a base assumption for SmartGrowth actions.

SmartTransport

SmartTransport is a partnership formed to coordinate the land transport development in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region of New Zealand. It's a key component of SmartGrowth. While SmartTransport coordinates planning and delivery of improved transport infrastructure, SmartGrowth ensures this is integrated with land use planning and development of other infrastructure.

The SmartTransport partners are:

Transit New Zealand (state highways)
Tauranga City Council (local roads)
Western Bay of Plenty District Council (local roads)
Environment Bay of Plenty (public transport)

All partners are also members of SmartGrowth. (Transit New Zealand is represented at all levels of SmartGrowth on transport issues only.)

Public and active transportation

Bus transport, cycling and walking are important components of a wider transportation strategy. There is a strong community expectation that there will be viable alternatives to private motor vehicles for getting around the sub-region. Targets have been set for public/active modes of transport for commuter trips with various methods available to achieve them.

Wastewater disposal

Efforts will be made to reduce waste and enhance approaches to wastewater disposal. This can involve a range of options, including taking a more holistic water-cycle approach in new greenfield development areas, pricing strategies to encourage water conservation, and greater use of new and emerging technologies.

Economic development

There are important linkages between the SmartGrowth Strategy and SmartEconomy - the economic development strategy for the sub-region. It will be important to maintain alignment of various linked actions, including business land development, Maori development zones, and infrastructure.

Active communities

A staging plan has been prepared to implement "Active Communities" initiatives. This includes the new aquatic centre at Mount Maunganui, an aquatic strategy to provide a network approach to aquatic facilities in the area, additional indoor exhibition space, an extreme sports park, and enhancements to Baypark Stadium.

Funding

Transport and community facilities are two areas with the most significant funding gaps. Various funding methods will be explored, including targeted rates and better application of development contributions to ensure costs of development are borne more by those who benefit and not the community at large. This work will also ensure that the sub-region's case for funding support is clearly in front of central government.