Climate change and extreme weather events are top of mind as Hibiscus and Bays local board members ask residents to speak up about priorities for their community during consultation on their draft plan for the area.
Chair Gary Brown says extreme weather events affect everyone and especially the board’s coastal communities, with a coastline that extends from Waiwera to Campbells Bay, it’s one of the longest of any local board area.
“We have experienced heart-breaking floods and storm damage earlier this year, and before that the drought.
“Our flat coastal areas are at high risk from floods, sea level rises and coastal inundation especially during king tides.”
“We have some tough calls to make in the future about investment especially around our coastlines and areas prone to flooding.
Last year Auckland Council’s Governing Body adopted the first shoreline adaptation plan which assessed Whangaparāoa Peninsula’s exposure to coastal hazards and the subsequent impacts on council-owned infrastructure over the next century.
Brown says that while most Whangaparāoa sites aren’t too exposed in the short-term that picture changes dramatically over the next 40 years unless action is taken to future-proof these public assets.
“This will require changes in the way we live. Many of our coastlines have playgrounds and public facilities that will be at risk as sea levels rise and from increased erosion.
“The environmental impacts of climate change are well-known and documented and should be considered before decisions are made about the future of public assets.”
More adaption plans for coastal areas, better use of open green spaces to manage flood risks, more work to address the causes of excess sedimentation, and better advice for property owners living alongside waterways are some of the initiatives included in the draft board plan.
Community aspirations and needs are reflected in four key areas which are grouped under people, environment, community and places/ economy in the plan. Key objectives and the initiatives that the board wants to see delivered are listed under each area.
To find out more about the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s priorities and give your feedback, go to akhaveyoursay.co.nz/localboardplans.
It only takes five minutes to make positive impacts on your community for the next three years.
Feedback must be received before consultation closes at 4pm on Monday 14 August.
It’s your place, your voice. Tell us what you think Hibiscus and Bays!
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