The purpose of environmental and development management is to provide a framework for managing future growth and land use activities in order that they provide a high quality environment for present and future generations. To achieve this goal Council develops appropriate land use controls for the district, fosters good working relationships with Tangata Whenua and other organisations, and prepares, monitors and reviews Council policies.
Council’s principle document for delivery of this activity is the District Plan and Council has a statutory responsibility to be involved in this activity under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Council contributes to economic development by:
§ Providing infrastructure
§ District planning
§ Promoting the District to encourage visitors and residents
§ Involvement in specific projects such as the harbour development and aquaculture
§ Seeking to grow existing events
§ Contributing to local and regional economic development agencies.
Tourism and Promotion
Council provides a Visitor Information Centre, works to promote District events and is involved as a partner with regional economic development agencies. Council’s role in Tourism and Promotion is to increase the number of visitors to the district. Achieving this goal will increase the economic well-being of the community and support tourism strategies developed by Council and other agencies.
Harbour Development
The creation of a reliable entrance to the Opotiki Harbour is essential to promote both marine industry development and enhanced tourism and recreation activities in the offshore environment.
Major aquaculture development with the potential to create more than 900 jobs is planned for the Opotiki area and both the Council and the community recognise that consistent access to the harbour will be required to ensure that this new industry is located in and serviced from Opotiki.
The District’s offshore waters also hold some of the country’s best recreational and commercial fishing grounds and improved access will therefore bring other economic benefits.
Council plans to construct groynes to upgrade the harbour entrance by 2012 at an estimated cost of $15 million.
The improvements provided will also help to reduce the risk of flooding in the Opotiki township.
Information on the future development of the Opotiki Harbour http://www.opotikiharbour.co.nz