Media release 26 May 2008
FutureProof Subregional Growth Strategy Launched
26 May 2008
A new project to plan and manage growth in the area covering Hamilton city, Waikato and Waipa districts over the next 50 years was launched in Hamilton today.
FutureProof, a combined project between four councils (Hamilton, Waikato and Waipa District and Environment Waikato) aims to develop a strategic plan for land use, infrastructure and roading that best meets the future needs of the sub region. Transit and Land Transport New Zealand are also involved as major partners recognising the importance of coordinating transportation planning into the future.
FutureProof Independent Chairman, Doug Arcus said by combining the resources of the three territorial authorities and EW, a fully integrated strategy could be developed to manage and fund sustainable growth.
"Growth projections for the region show continuing demand for housing and industrial land as more people choose to live in the area. We are also facing a squeeze on commercial and industrial development land close to the city and need to plan for future needs now.
Between now and 2031 Hamilton is expecting its population to grow by about 37 percent, while Waikato District's anticipates growth of around 30 percent and Waipa District 22 percent.
"Growth and development does not stop at territorial boundaries. Costs and the sustainability of growth are local, sub-regional and nationwide considerations. The Waikato region is already part of a ‘golden triangle': the powerhouse of the North Island economy which includes Auckland and the Bay of Plenty that drives North Island and national growth and development," he said.
The project will consider a number of key elements including: economic trends and drivers, residential and business land demand and supply, infrastructure and land use sequencing and funding and development constraints.
Strategic plan options for community consideration are expected to be released for consultation later this year with a final strategy draft out for public consultation in early 2009.
Mr Arcus said the project was an important one for the sub region as the parties grappled with the issues that projected increases in population created.
"If we fail to plan, we plan to fail - growth rates are such that it is imperative we work together to plan while we are still able to have a positive influence.
"At this point in time we can take a step back and develop a complete a picture of the future as possible to ensure our plans meet future needs and take into consideration community aspirations, environmental issues and economic growth. This planning now will feed into the long term strategic plans for councils (LTCCP Long Term Council-Community Plan."
Mr Arcus said the sub region faced significant risks in not developing such a strategy.
"The future use of land and the links between land use and the development of infrastructure and transportation are vitally important to the ongoing organisation and viability of a region.
"FutureProof is this sub regions way of making sure we do all we can to make that future successful and sustainable," he said.
For further information please contact:
Doug Arcus
07 8383241
What Does FutureProof Mean?
FutureProof, Knowing our future by planning today is the brand given to a joint project between four councils (Hamilton city, Waikato District and Waipa District and Environment Waikato) aims to develop a strategic plan for land use, infrastructure and roading that best meets the future needs of the sub region.
The logo shows a unity of purpose, the cohesion between the four parties, it gives the impression of strength and purpose - the four parties taking a visionary approach. It conveys the nature and characteristics of the project - it's about infrastructure planning, roading and land use.