Work is underway on the Great Barrier Island Area Plan that will set out a 30-year vision for the island’s future development.
Led by Great Barrier Island Local Board, the area plan will identify ideas, desired outcomes and supporting actions to help achieve the vision and implement the Auckland Plan at a local level, reflecting local aspirations and community values.
Board chair Izzy Fordham said: “I would encourage everyone to have a say when we ask for feedback on the draft plan next year because this is about taking part and deciding how our villages and communities are shaped.”
The area plan will be developed collaboratively by the local board, staff from Auckland Council and its council-controlled organisations, mana whenua, environmental and business organisations, local residents and landowners.
The community and visitors will have the opportunity to give feedback on the draft plan during public engagement in March 2019. In the meantime, preliminary work building a picture of what the area will look like in the future, will bring together:
- previous studies and plans including Aotea Great Barrier Eco-vision 2015
- community feedback received from previous consultation processes
- knowledge of current and future projects
- fresh ideas for improvements to the area.
The draft area plan will focus on fundamental matters such as protecting the island’s unique heritage, landscape and natural environment, provision of community facilities and services, and open spaces that meet the needs of residents.
It will also look at the provision of reliable and resilient infrastructure, the needs of an ageing population, availability and affordability of housing for residents, access to and around the island, economic development, local employment, and education opportunities.
Look out for more information on this project which will be widely distributed in late-November. And you can keep abreast of updates by adding your details to the planning mailing list by emailing the planning team on greatbarrierareaplan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
A booklet with more information is being delivered across the island this week.
A similar plan is underway for Waiheke and neighbouring islands.
