Future Proof Sub‐region Draft Three Waters Strategy ‐ SUMMARY Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council and Waikato District Council What is the draft Sub‐regional Three Waters Strategy? The draft Sub‐regional Three Waters Strategy (the ‘draft Strategy’) sets out the proposed strategy to address critical growth and operational issues related to water, wastewater and stormwater (the ‘three waters’) for the sub‐region of Hamilton City, Waipa District and Waikato District who are referred to as the Three Waters Strategy Partner Councils (the ‘TWS Partner Councils’). The subject area is defined on the adjacent map. The collaborative draft Strategy aligns with Future Proof, the sub‐
regional growth strategy. It looks towards the year 2062. It recognises the increasing need to manage the three waters in a sustainable and integrated way to ensure that services are available to growth areas and to protect the environment for future generations. The draft Strategy includes all Council water, wastewater and stormwater services and infrastructure along with the Council owned and operated land drainage schemes. This summary highlights some of the key parts of the draft Strategy to assist in your consideration of the draft Strategy itself. Purpose and Vision: The purpose of the draft Strategy is to set a long term strategic vision for the three waters for the sub‐region in order to manage the three waters in an integrated way. The proposed Vision is “The delivery of integrated, sustainable and well managed Three Waters services (both in terms of resource and infrastructure) for the Waikato sub‐region which ensures the protection and where possible the enhancement of public health and environmental quality today and into the future.” Issues: The draft Strategy sets out 9 strategic issues associated with the Three Waters in the sub‐region which could influence the achievement of the Vision. These issues are: 1. Ensuring the protection and improvement of public health and providing appropriate water sanitary services; 2. Meeting future anticipated and planned growth demands; 3. Planning for and adopting to climate change; 4. Ensuring that decisions relating to the Three Waters are underpinned by best practice, research and knowledge; 5. Ensuring quality, efficient and sustainable infrastructure; 6. The need for integration of: a. Relevant Council functions b. Inter Council departments c. The Three Waters d. Land use and water planning and management; 7. The availability and allocation of water; 8. Ensuring that iwi and hapu are involved in the management of three waters and tāngata whenua values, aspirations and interests are identified and reflected; 9. Ensuring protection and where possible the enhancement of the natural environment. Strategic Goals and Responses: The draft Strategy sets out a number goals and responses which need to be achieved in order to tackle the strategic issues that have been identified. Section 8 of the draft Strategy sets out the goals and proposed responses in detail. Implementation: In order for the TWS Partner Councils to give effect to the vision, strategic issues, goals and responses, it is proposed that a number of key actions be put in place. These actions are expected to include: ‐
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Approaches and procedures within the Councils; The development of Three Water Action Plans by each of the TWS Partner Councils; and Further development or amendment of other plans and policies to incorporate the strategic framework and individual actions; Identify areas of alignment from the action plans. Action Plans ‐
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The development of Action Plans will identify what the issues means for each TWS Partner Council. Lead to the development of prioritised actions to address the responses outlined in the strategy. Areas of alignment may include, for example: ‐
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Development of common consistent approaches (across the three Councils) to codes of practices, bylaws, water demand and conservation, waste management, and design practices; Sharing of operational resources amongst the Councils; Consistent approaches to material supply and bulk purchase; and Consistency in and cost effective use of community education material by the three Councils. Monitoring and Review: In order for the draft Strategy to be successful, it is proposed that the action plans include a rigorous monitoring regime, including reporting. We want to hear from you! You can view the full draft Sub‐regional Three Waters Strategy online at www.futureproof.org.nz, or pick up a copy at any Hamilton, Waikato or Waipa library or at the Hamilton Council Building in Garden Place, the Waikato Council Buildings in Ngaruawahia, Huntly or Raglan or the Te Kauwhata Library, or the Waipa Council Buildings in Te Awamutu or Cambridge. You can also request a copy by phoning 07 838 6810. If you wish to make a submission you can use the submission form attached or go online at www.futureproof.org.nz Submissions need to be: Mailed to: FutureProof Three Waters Strategy Submissions Hamilton City Council Private Bag 3010 Hamilton 3240 Or Faxed to:
07 838 6464 Or Emailed to: [email protected] Remember, submissions must be received no later than 31 July 2012. A hearing will then be held if any submitter wishes to be heard, and decisions made on submissions. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.