9 July 2019
How do you want South Wairarapa to look in the future? That question, along with many more, is what South Wairarapa District Council is asking the community in its Spatial Plan Discussion Document.
Hearing from the community about what they see as the important issues, and how they see the District developing, is essential for preparing for ongoing population growth, while protecting what makes the region special. Community input is a key to the development of the District’s Spatial Plan, which will provide a blueprint for the next thirty years.
Community engagement starts tomorrow with the release of a Discussion Document delivered to residents as a supplement in the MidWeek. The Discussion Document includes some ideas to start the discussion with the community.
South Wairarapa District Mayor Viv Napier says, “There has been much anticipation for this spatial planning work, so we’re really excited to be starting the first phase of community engagement this week.
“We value and appreciate all feedback, ideas and comments on the Discussion Document. There will be another opportunity to feedback on the Draft Spatial Plan before it is finalised.
“The challenge is to develop the District in ways that support the future prosperity and wellbeing of our community, while protecting what makes it special,” says Mrs Napier.
The Spatial Plan will help us balance the environmental, social, economic, and quality of life factors affecting our community and guide allocation of resources, such as land use and construction of capital works (core infrastructure like roads, water supplies, parks and playgrounds).
Group Manager Planning and Environment Russell O’Leary says, “the Spatial Plan will align with our district’s vision and feed into future district plans, long-term plans and annual plans, and provide guidance for land use and infrastructure development”.
The Council will be holding some community engagement sessions during the engagement phase, which is planned to run until 16 August. These will be advertised on our website. A Draft Spatial Plan will then be developed for consultation later in the year, to give the community another opportunity to provide feedback before the Plan is finalised.
The Discussion Document, feedback form and details of how to make a submission will be available from Council offices, South Wairarapa libraries and online at swdc.govt.nz/spatial-plan. Any questions or comments can be emailed to spatial-planning@swdc.govt.nz.
ENDS
Media contact
Amy Wharram
027 252 2863
