Natural environment and heritage - Auckland Transport
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CHAPTER 3
72
Natural environment and heritage
This section discusses how the ARC will
manage Auckland region’s natural environment
and heritage resources.
It includes the following LTCCP activities:
1. Stormwater management
and pollution response
2. Freshwater management
3. Coastal management
4. Land management
5. Improving air quality
6 Natural heritage conservation
7 Biosecurity
8. Cultural heritage conservation
9. Planning for the future.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 73
Key Issues
The natural environment and heritage activities
The key issues, what we want to achieve and our responsibilities
contribute to the following community outcomes: are described within the individual activities that follow.
• Aucklanders caring for and enjoying the natural
Note: The Levels of service measures outlined in each activity
environment
of the Natural environment and heritage group may be subject
• Open spaces and green places, now and for to change in response to the review of the Regional Policy
the future Statement (RPS) which is currently underway.
• Auckland’s special places are respected and
conserved Assets required by this group of activities
• The diversity of native species and habitats is The assets relating to the Natural environmental and heritage
protected and restored group of activities include research and monitoring equipment
• The significant place of tangata whenua is associated with the hydrological, water quality, ecological and
acknowledged and their role as kaitiaki is air quality monitoring programmes. The maintenance, renewal
recognised and replacement of monitoring equipment have been planned
• Ma-ori are succeeding socially and economically, for in the 10-year capital expenditure programme undertaken
and contribute to decision-making as per the projected equipment lifecycle. There is no plan for
additional asset capacity.
• The ARC, the community, local and central
government, and business work together to The depreciation costs included in the income statement that
achieve results follows also includes the overhead costs allocated across all
• Recreational and leisure opportunities that offer a ARC activities.
range of experiences for all
• Quality built environment
What this will cost
• Efficient energy use based on clean and reliable
sources
• Valuing our identity and the changing face of
Auckland This is 19% of the
• Community health and well-being is supported by ARC’s total rates
a healthy environment where people have access
to appropriate healthcare
19% The total rate requirement
for the Activity Group for
2009/10 is $30.656m.
Influence on the four well-beings:
Key financial assumptions
Environmental Social Cultural Economic
Refer to assumptions under the individual activities that follow.
Possible significant negative effects The rational for funding of this group of activities is contained in
the Revenue and finance policy – funding profiles by activity in
The community has high expectations that the
Chapter 6.
quality of the region’s natural environments (air, land,
water and coast) will be protected and preserved for The following table is further broken down into the cost
future generations. of services statement for the eight activities that make up
the natural environment and heritage group: Stormwater
However, the impacts of growth and development
management and Pollution response (LTCCP activity 1),
are having significant adverse effects on natural
Freshwater management (LTCCP Activity 2), Coastal
resources in many parts of the region. The
management (LTCCP Activity 3), Land management (LTCCP
current level of funding enables us to meet our
activity 4), Improving air quality (LTCCP Activity 5), Natural
immediate commitments to manage the effects of
heritage conservation (LTCCP Activity 6), Biosecurity (LTCCP
development, but does not allow for any expansion
Activity 7), Cultural heritage conservation (LTCCP Activity 8),
of environmental programmes.
and Planning for the future (LTCCP Activity 9).
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
74 Natural environment and heritage
Prospective income statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
National environment Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
and heritage 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Rates 30,656 30,910 32,057 33,187 33,983 34,377 34,705 35,523 36,288 37,192
ARH distribution - CCO Unit 81 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 92
ARH distribution – Stormwater
3,514 2,687 2,752 2,680 2,704 2,623 2,625 225 189 189
grants
Service fees 11,784 11,975 12,167 12,326 12,610 12,905 13,222 13,585 13,932 14,322
Facilities 632 649 666 681 697 713 731 750 770 791
Grants and subsidies 1,698 1,461 1,478 1,535 1,596 1,660 1,726 1,795 1,867 1,942
Investment 926 1,215 1,442 1,640 1,869 1,879 1,975 2,242 2,361 2,523
Sundry operating 396 392 398 399 405 412 419 427 435 444
Merchandising 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 13
Revenue 49,697 49,374 51,048 52,538 53,956 54,663 55,500 54,646 55,943 57,508
Human resources 22,364 23,050 23,825 24,281 24,891 25,609 26,254 26,417 27,151 27,958
Professional services 2,976 3,013 2,754 2,594 2,939 2,697 2,522 2,513 2,596 2,495
Technical services 6,053 5,788 5,832 5,932 5,985 6,045 5,893 5,599 5,712 5,873
Contracted services 7,324 7,392 7,647 7,698 7,786 8,088 8,190 7,897 8,085 8,298
Funding grants – Stormwater
1,307 479 542 468 489 407 407 225 189 189
– ICMP
Materials 477 491 502 514 525 537 549 561 574 589
Printing and office supplies 624 642 641 722 583 608 766 599 597 622
Fuel and power 176 176 196 220 245 274 306 343 421 473
Repairs and maintenance 813 833 863 872 891 922 943 953 987 1,012
Communications 566 575 589 604 605 619 645 639 654 671
Information services 1,625 1,628 1,656 1,760 1,730 1,769 1,837 1,849 1,921 1,941
Occupancy 2,217 2,242 2,270 2,385 2,407 2,432 2,550 2,574 2,602 2,631
Grants and Subsidies 579 394 337 343 348 354 406 287 294 350
Interest and bank charges 32 84 157 183 220 172 83 88 7 (58)
Other 2,012 1,923 1,623 1,567 1,547 1,531 1,516 1,427 1,535 1,488
Internal Expenditure Recovery (207) (207) (207) (207) (207) (207) (207) (207) (207) (207)
Vehicle 535 555 576 591 609 620 640 650 672 695
Depreciation 2,810 2,671 2,230 2,346 2,450 2,187 2,243 2,232 2,322 2,414
Expenditure 52,283 51,729 52,033 52,873 54,043 54,664 55,543 54,646 56,112 57,434
Net surplus/(Deficit) (2,586) (2,355) (985) (335) (87) (1) (43) - (169) 74
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 75
Prospective capital expenditure for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
National environment Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
and heritage 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Plant and equipment 519 531 544 557 568 581 594 608 623 638
Total capital expenditure 519 531 544 557 568 581 594 608 623 638
Funded by
Rates 519 531 544 557 568 581 594 608 623 638
Total capital expenditure
519 531 544 557 568 581 594 608 623 638
funding
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
76 Natural environment and heritage
LTCCP Activity 1: Stormwater management and pollution response
Key issues
As the region develops and urbanises, environmental pressures However due to a significant decrease in funds available
become more visible and significant. Stormwater has the through ARH, it is proposed that the Stormwater Action
largest impact on the region’s marine ecosystems and urban programme is scaled back to meet budgetary constraints.
streams, and can adversely affect the regional community’s This draft LTCCP proposes that grant payments to assist local
social, cultural and economic values. Pollution incidents and councils in preparing integrated catchment management plans
hazardous substances also have an adverse effect on the are reduced (depending on current status of the plans), and
region’s environment. The ARC, working proactively with that the programme of research and education is also reduced.
high-risk industries, helps to minimise the potential impacts Details of the proposed changes will be made available to local
of pollution. councils and other affected parties.
The stormwater programme will deliver the following:
What we want to achieve
• Between 2009 -19: Implement stormwater solutions
• To work co-operatively with regional stakeholders to deliver for the region’s long-term health by providing regional
a long-term strategy for the stormwater management leadership, cooperating with infrastructure operators and
by establishing targets, clear objectives and introducing, key stakeholders.
where appropriate, water quality standards for receiving
• Between 2009 -19: continue to work with infrastructure
environments.
operators and partially fund the development of integrated
• To minimise the number of pollution incidents, by working catchment management plans.
proactively with business to improve high risk industrial
• Between 2009 -19: develop a programme approach to
trade practices.
the management of stormwater contaminants for the
• To deliver an efficient, high quality consent processing and Auckland region.
compliance monitoring service, which meets statutory
• Between 2009 -19: ensure effective partnerships with
requirements.
industry stakeholders are maintained and enhanced.
• To work collaboratively with local councils in the region
• Between 2009 -19: continue to identify capacity issues
to exchange information and improve best practice.
within the industry that affect the implementation of
stormwater solutions, and develop activities to address
Responsibilities these issues.
This activity is focused on implementing appropriate • Continued support for the implementation of Low
stormwater management solutions throughout the region, Impact Design (LID) approaches to stormwater and land
while the ARC’s pollution response is directly focused on rural, management, including the integration of such devices as
urban and maritime pollution response and prevention. raingardens and rainwater tanks in land use development
and good urban design.
Under the Resource Management Act 1991 the ARC is
responsible for controlling the effects of stormwater discharges • Resource consents for stormwater treatment and disposal
into the environment. This includes processing and compliance will be processed and monitored to ensure that they are
monitoring of resource consents for stormwater treatment appropriately managed and statutory responsibilities are
and disposal. met. The ARC will continue to develop efficient processes
and best practices to enable the effective treatment and
What we plan to deliver disposal of stormwater, and address community concerns.
Stormwater Management Pollution response
Over the next 12 months, the ARC will continue its The ARC’s pollution prevention service will continue to work
comprehensive programme to plan and implement effective with business to reduce the potential for pollution incidents by
stormwater solutions to maintain and, where possible, improve increasing awareness of best management practices on high
the quality of Auckland’s freshwater, groundwater, marine risk industrial sites.
and aquatic resources. We will also begin the process of
developing water quality standards and targets for identified
receiving environments.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 77
The pollution response programme will deliver the following: The ARC will work with the wider community to increase
understanding of stormwater and pollution issues, and provide
• In 2009 the ARC will continue work to better understand
information, incentives and opportunities for people to make
the effects of permitted activities on the environment and
positive changes at the local level.
develop appropriate monitoring and response mechanisms.
• Between 2009-19: the ARC will continue to provide a Levels of service
24-hour pollution complaint response service.
• Between 2009-19: the ARC will undertake fair and The following Levels of Service and associated performance
appropriate enforcement action in response to non- measures provide an indication over time of the successful
compliance with environmental rules and regulations. delivery of the programmes within the Stormwater
management and Pollution response activity.
Levels of service1 Performance measures Baseline Targets
The ARC, in SW 1. Total number of Integrated Catchment 13 2009/10 17
conjunction with Management Plans (ICMPs)* completed within completed
stakeholders, will the region (by 2020) by TLAs with assistance as at 2010/11 22
seek to limit the from ARC that support freshwater and coastal 2007/08
2011/12 28
adverse effects of outcomes consistent with ICMP guidelines.
stormwater on the By 2018/19 48
* Based on current programme there are
region’s natural
51 ICMPs to be completed by 2020
environment.2
We will respond to SW 2. For all pollution incidents received by the 100% in 2009/10 100%
reported pollution Pollution Response team; (i) the number and 2007/08
incidents to avoid category of incidents and, (ii) the percentage 2010/11 100%
adverse effects that are responded to within one day (excluding
2011/12 100%
on the region’s sediment and contaminated land).
environment. 2013 - 19 100%
THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Conduct at least one
established catchment based
SW 3. Number of business sites that receive 2010/11
in 2009/10 pollution prevention
a site assessment with guidance on pollution
project and 150
prevention each year. 2011/12
industrial site audits
(It is estimated that there are 5,000 moderate 2013 - 19 per annum.
and 2,500 high risk commercial sites in the
Auckland region.)
Cross references to other performance measures:
1. Performance measures relating to consents processing and compliance monitoring are found
in Activity 9 (Planning for the future). Refer measures PF 8, PF 9, PF 10 and PF 11.
2. Please also refer to measure CM 3 in activity 3 (Coastal Management) of this group of activities
for a measure of the impact of Stormwater on the region’s bathing beaches.
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
78 Natural environment and heritage
What this will cost
Financial assumptions
• Only standard cost inflation has been applied from 2010.
• Funding for the storm water action team relies on ARH
funding. The budget has been reduced in light of the
current economic climate. There are no other changes
anticipated and this budget assumes all other stormwater
programmes will operate at a reduced level.
Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
Stormwater management Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
and pollution response 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Revenue 4,878 4,095 4,201 4,174 4,246 4,201 4,246 1,902 1,914 1,968
Expenditure 5,440 4,681 4,758 4,758 4,853 4,838 4,920 3,729 3,789 3,878
Net cost of services 562 586 557 584 607 637 674 1,827 1,875 1,910
Reserves (126) (113) (60) (32) (21) (21) (28) (28) (33) (23)
Rating requirement 436 473 497 552 586 616 646 1,799 1,842 1,887
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 79
LTCCP Activity 2: Freshwater management
Key issues
A key issue for the region is to manage the effects of growth and • Between 2009 -19: Policies will be developed to define
development on the natural environment. This includes balancing the allocation constraints for surface water resources in
the needs for environmental protection with the community’s the northern part of the region. Similar policies will be
social, economic and cultural needs, and their aspirations for our developed in 2009 -16 for the water resources in the north-
freshwater resources and animal and plant life. west and south Auckland areas, with an intervening period
of implementation via statutory processes.
What we want to achieve • Between 2009 -12: Developing water quality standards
and targets as part of the tools managing the region’s
• Develop sustainable management policies for the allocation
freshwater resources (streams, lakes, groundwater, and
and use of the region’s scarce freshwater resources. This
freshwater ecology).
includes forecasting future water demand.
• Between 2009 -12: Ongoing contribution and response to
• Develop water quality standards to protect fragile
the Government’s Sustainable Water Programme of Action.
freshwater stream systems, lakes and their ecology from
the effects of land use and development. This will be • Between 2009 -19: Policy to support initiatives being
supported by a programme of activities to ensure the better undertaken in the stormwater management programme
management of degraded soft bottom streams and to will be developed, reviewed and revised.
protect headwater streams in the region. • Between 2009 -12: Policy will be developed to protect
• Deliver an efficient, high-quality consent processing fragile stream systems from a variety of development-
and compliance monitoring service that meets statutory induced impacts, particularly the loss of streams due to
requirements. urbanisation. This includes developing policy provisions
relating to stock access to streams and protecting
Responsibilities riparian vegetation.
• Resource consents for water takes, dams, diversions and
The ARC has a specific responsibility to control the use of discharges will be processed and monitored on an ongoing
land in order to maintain and enhance the quality of water and basis, to ensure that the effects of such activities are
ecosystems in freshwater lakes, streams and coastal waters. appropriately managed and statutory requirements are met.
This includes monitoring water quality and ecology to measure The ARC will continue to develop efficient processes and
the effects of land development of these natural resources, best practices to enable the responsible use of freshwater
and the development of policy to achieve the integrated and and to address community concerns.
sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, the ARC is Levels of service
responsible for controlling the use and protection of freshwater
The following Levels of Service and associated performance
resources. This includes processing and compliance monitoring
measures provide an indication over time of the successful
of resource consents to take and use water (both surface water
delivery of the programmes within the Freshwater activity.
and groundwater), dam and divert water, and discharge to water.
Some of the performance measures are by nature technical
What we plan to deliver indicators and/or output-focused, as these show clearly
whether the implementation of environmental policy (both
The freshwater programme has three components: through statutory and non-statutory methods) is being
• Developing water quality standards and targets as part achieved. For example, increasing the number of streams
of the tools managing the region’s freshwater resources in natural steam management areas protected from stock
(streams, lakes, groundwater, and freshwater ecology). access through a policy direction should result in a measurable
improvement in freshwater quality.
• Developing environmental policy to manage the use and
protection of the freshwater resources and ecology. However, it should be noted that such an improvement in
• Delivering efficient, high-quality consent processing environmental performance may not always be measurable
and compliance monitoring service that meets within the timeframe of the LTCCP. In these situations, a
statutory requirements. statistical analysis of trends over time relative to the baseline
measures will confirm whether the proposed levels of service
The freshwater programme will deliver the following: are being met.
• Between 2009 -10: A programme of action for the utilisation
and protection of the Waiheke groundwater resource will
be prepared and implemented.
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
80 Natural environment and heritage
Levels of service1 Performance measures Baseline Targets
We aim to protect our THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Decrease on baseline
high quality fresh water established in
FW 1. Length of streams in natural 2010/11
resources to maintain 2009/10
stream management areas adversely
their valued ecosystems,
affected by stream work consents. 2011/12
biodiversity, amenity
and water quality from 2013 - 19
inappropriate subdivision,
use, and development. THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Increase on baseline
established in
FW 2. Proportion of streams in natural 2010/11
2009/10
stream management areas protected
from stock access. 2011/12
(Principally measured through Regional 2013 - 19
Parks fencing and planting data)
THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Decrease on baseline
established in
FW 3. Length of streams in natural 2010/11
2009/10
stream management areas affected by
artificial barriers to fish passage. 2011/12
2013 - 19
We will contribute to the THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Decrease on baseline
enhancement of targeted established in
FW 4. Proportion of samples from ARC 2010/11
degraded fresh water
monitored streams within catchments 2009/10
resources, to realise their
receiving substantial support for riparian 2011/12
potential ecological, amenity,
fencing that exceed the red alert level for
and recreational use. 2013 - 19
stock watering.
We will provide for the FW 5. Number of high-use aquifers No aquifers 2009/10 No over allocations
sustainable management where allocations exceed the amount of over allocated
of the region’s fresh water water available, based on allocations for 2010/11 No over allocations
in 2007/08
resources. 17 high-use aquifers in the region.
2011/12 No over allocations
2013 - 19 No over allocations
FW 6. Number of high-use aquifers No cases of 2009/10 No cases of overuse
where actual use exceeds the amount overuse in
allocated, based on actual use of 17 2010/11 No cases of overuse
2007/08
high-use aquifers in the region.
2011/12 No cases of overuse
2013 - 19 No cases of overuse
Cross references to other performance measures:
1. Performance measures relating to consents processing and compliance monitoring are found
in Activity 9 (Planning for the future). Refer measures PF 8, PF 9, PF 10 and PF 11.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 81
What this will cost
Financial assumptions
• It is assumed that the completion of the proposed work • It Is also assumed that the freshwater programme will
programmes within this activity is not affected by changes continue in its existing form and scale subject to the
in government legislation, e.g. national standards on outcome of independent peer/project reviews.
freshwater management.
Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
Freshwater management 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Revenue 2,561 2,687 2,791 2,847 2,956 3,021 3,109 3,241 3,340 3,456
Expenditure 8,117 8,279 8,414 8,489 8,683 8,832 9,040 9,214 9,453 9,687
Net cost of services 5,556 5,592 5,623 5,642 5,727 5,811 5,931 5,973 6,113 6,231
Reserves (410) (408) (227) (129) (88) (75) (100) (101) (123) (89)
Rating requirement 5,146 5,184 5,396 5,513 5,639 5,736 5,831 5,872 5,990 6,142
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
82 Natural environment and heritage
LTCCP Activity 3: Coastal management
Key issues What we want to achieve
The community places a high value on Auckland’s extensive • Effective policies and initiatives to sustainably manage
coastal environment for the many opportunities it offers. the appropriate use, development and protection of the
These include social, economic and cultural uses and values coastal environment; and balance competing aspirations,
(such as boating, swimming, fishing, beaches, landscapes, and obligations and demands.
commercial shipping), as well as intrinsic environmental values • Ensure that the quality of coastal waters and marine
(such as the natural values of marine ecology). The quality of ecosystems is maintained and enhanced as far as practicable.
the coast is a major reason why people want to live and work
• Deliver an efficient, high-quality consent processing
in the Auckland region.
and compliance monitoring service, which meets
A key issue for the region is to manage the appropriate use statutory requirements.
and development of the coastal environment, while protecting
or enhancing the coast’s quality and natural character, and Responsibilities
ensuring public access is maintained.
The ARC has a specific responsibility to sustainably manage the
The ARC has decided to phase out seabed licence fees in use, development and protection of the coastal environment,
response to requests from recreational boaties that a more including the quality of coastal waters and marine ecosystems.
equitable system be developed. In the past, the ARC has The council is responsible for monitoring coastal water quality
collected funding from seabed licence fees charged to three and marine ecology, and developing policy to achieve the
marinas: Half Moon Bay, Buckland Beach Yacht Club and West integrated and sustainable management of the natural and
Park Marina, as these marinas hold licences for the occupation physical resources within the coastal marine area.
of the seabed. The ARC has used this funding in part for
the Coastal Enhancement Fund, which provides grants to Under the Resource Management Act 1991, the ARC and the
community and non-profit organisations for projects that protect Minister of Conservation share responsibility within the coastal
and enhance coastal water and marine diversity, and promote marine area for controlling the occupation of space, along
safe navigation and water safety. We now propose to phase with various activities and their effects. This includes the ARC
out the seabed licence fees over four years, with corresponding processing, and compliance monitoring, resource consents
reductions in the Coastal Enhancement Fund. The ARC will look for a wide range of activities (such as marine farming, sand
to review this decision if the savings are not passed on from extraction, coastal structures and discharges) that can impact
marinas to recreational boaties who use the marinas. on the coastal environment.
However, the ARC does plan to investigate alternative funding
sources that could be used to replace seabed licence fees. In
particular, we will look to develop a plan change to provide for
coastal occupation charging, if current implementation issues
associated with the legislation are resolved.
The Government’s current review of the New Zealand Coastal
Policy Statement includes provisions that may help improve
understanding of coastal occupation charging regimes, but
unfortunately will not solve legislative and process issues that
currently prevent regional councils from moving to coastal
occupation charging regimes under the Resource Management
Act. If the current implementation issues can be resolved
a coastal occupation charging regime could replace seabed
licence fees charged to those who occupy coastal space.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 83
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
84 Natural environment and heritage
What we plan to deliver
This activity has five components: • Between 2012 -18: Carry out comprehensive background
investigations to support development of a robust review
• Monitoring the quality and health of the region’s coastal of the Regional Plan: Coastal and accompanying maps for
environment to determine trends over time. notification in 2014.
• Developing environmental policy to ensure appropriate use • Between 2009 -15: Continue to monitor marine ecology and
and protection of the coastal environment, and monitoring water quality parameters at representative sites across the
the policy’s implementation. region. Independent peer reviews of each section of the
• Processing and compliance monitoring of resource monitoring programme will be undertaken.
consents to authorise the use of the coastal marine area. • Between 2009 -13: Fund and implement projects through
• Funding and implementing projects to raise awareness of the Coastal Enhancement Fund to raise awareness of
coastal values, promote safe navigation and water safety, coastal values, promote safe navigation and water safety,
protect and enhance coastal water, and promote and protect and enhance coastal water, and promote and
support marine biodiversity. support marine biodiversity.
• Working with communities and stakeholders to improve the • Resource consents for the use of the coastal marine
coastal area by providing training, advice and support. area will be processed and monitored to ensure that
any associated effects are appropriately managed and
The Coastal Management programme will deliver the following:
statutory requirements are met. The ARC will continue to
• Between 2009 -11: Resolve any appeals to the Regional develop efficient processes and best practices to enable
Plan: Coastal changes for Mangrove Management and responsible use of the coastal marine area and address
Wynyard Quarter. community concerns.
• Between 2009 -13 the ARC will develop a plan change to
provide for Coastal Occupation Charging. Levels of service
Between 2009 -13: Fund and implement projects through
The following Levels of service and associated performance
the Coastal Enhancement Fund to raise awareness of
measures provide an indication over time of the successful
coastal values, promote safe navigation and water safety,
delivery of the programmes within the Coastal
protect and enhance coastal water, and promote and
Management activity.
support marine biodiversity.
• Between 2009 -11: Develop a small plan change to the These programmes include components of policy development,
Regional Plan: Coastal to give further effect to the Hauraki environmental monitoring, regulation, the funding and
Gulf Marine Park Act. implementing of projects to promote and protect coastal
values, and various initiatives which involve working with
• Between 2009 -12: Progress a variation to the
communities and stakeholders to improve the coastal area.
Regional Plan: Coastal to provide a revised aquaculture
policy framework. The proposed performance measures are a mix of technical
• Between 2012-15: Receive and process any invited indicators, outputs and a subjective measure of public
private plan change requests (outside of excluded areas) perception. These measures all assist in confirming whether the
to establish aquaculture management areas within the sustainable management of the coastal area is being achieved
Regional Plan: Coastal. through the implementation of the agreed policy direction.
• Between 2015 -19: Receive and process any private plan
change requests (inside of excluded areas) to establish
aquaculture management areas within the Regional
Plan: Coastal.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 85
Levels of service1 Performance measures Baseline Targets
We will contribute CM 1. Public perception of the balance 73% in 2007/08 2009/10 70%
to the sustainable between the built elements and
management of natural environment on the coastline. 2010/11 70%
coastal environments (Percentage reflects a total of those
2011/12 70%
and enhance areas who feel there is a balance, plus those
that are degraded, to who feel it could be built up more). 2013 - 19 70%
protect the natural
character of the THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be established in 2009 -19 To be achieved
coast and quality of 2009/10
CM 2. Complete changes to Regional
the water and marine
plan: Coastal as set out in this activity
ecosystems.
for delivery between 2009 -19.
We will seek to CM 3. Proportion of time that monitored 91% in 2007/08 2009/10 95%
ensure the community bathing beaches are suitable for
has appropriate swimming and contact recreation 2010/11 95%
access to beaches (November to April bathing season).
2011/12 95%
and coastal areas for
safe recreation and 2013 - 19 95%
other activities.
THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be established in 2009/10 Maintain baseline.
2009/10 after analysis of
CM 4. Length of coastline in public 2014/15
available data including
ownership and the number of formal
the Hauraki Gulf State of
access points to the coastline across
Environment Report.
private land (measured every five years).
Cross references to other performance measures:
1. Performance measures relating to consents processing and compliance monitoring are found in Activity 9
(Planning for the future). Refer measures PF 8, PF 9, PF 10 and PF 11.
What this will cost
Financial assumptions
• It is assumed that the completion of the proposed work fee being phased out over four years, no funding of the
programmes within this activity is not affected by changes Coastal Enhancement Fund is provided for beyond 210/11.
in government legislation, e.g changes in aquaculture A portion of the Seabed license fee revenue is earmarked
policy reform. for other coastal management budgets.
• The Coastal Enhancement fund budget is funded from • Only standard cost inflation has been applied from 2010.
Seabed license fees and reserves. With the seabed license
Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
Coastal management 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Revenue 1,470 1,410 1,374 1,305 1,346 1,377 1,415 1,466 1,508 1,556
Expenditure 3,274 3,126 3,132 3,574 3,589 3,435 3,456 3,463 3,466 3,523
Net cost of services 1,804 1,716 1,758 2,269 2,243 2,058 2,041 1,997 1,958 1,967
Reserves (209) (100) (51) (27) (18) (16) (21) (21) (26) (19)
Rating requirement 1,595 1,616 1,707 2,242 2,225 2,042 2,020 1,976 1,932 1,948
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
86 Natural environment and heritage
LTCCP Activity 4: Land management
Key issues Responsibilities
Land use activities, in both rural and urban areas, can have The ARC has responsibility to control the use of land in order
significant adverse effects on water quality in receiving to maintain and enhance the quality of water and ecosystems,
environments. Land use practices can significantly alter the and to ensure human activities are undertaken in a sustainable
erosion rate of land areas and as a consequence the amount manner. This includes monitoring water quality and ecology
of sediment entering stream, lakes, river, estuaries, and to measure the impact of land development on these natural
coastal waters. resources, and developing policy to achieve the integrated and
sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
The discharge of contaminants, particularly from contaminated
The ARC also undertakes monitoring and investigation of
land and industrial trade processes, needs to be managed
contaminated sites, primarily to prevent contaminants entering
appropriately to minimise the potential for adverse effects
underground or coastal water resources.
on the environment.
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, the ARC is
What we want to achieve responsible for controlling certain aspects of land use activities.
This includes processing and compliance monitoring of
• Continue to develop effective policies to manage the resource consents for a wide range of activities, including the
impacts of land use activities on receiving environments. discharge of contaminants to land (wastewater, contaminated
• Effective environmental programmes that address land sites discharges) and to carry out earthworks and streamworks.
use issues and engage with iwi, the community and other The ARC has adopted a policy, in principle, that it is opposed
stakeholders to achieve outcomes. to the release of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the
• Deliver an efficient, high-quality consent processing field and in the production of food. The ARC acknowledges that
and compliance monitoring service that meets the regulation of GMO is the responsibility of the Environmental
statutory requirements. Risk Management Agency (ERMA).
The ARC is piloting catchment management framework in
which water quality standards and land management targets
can be used as part of a range of tools to protect fragile
freshwater stream systems, lakes and their ecology from
the effects of land use and development.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 87
What we plan to deliver • Between 2009 -19: We will increase the fencing and
planting of riparian margins in the region through the
This activity has seven components: Mahurangi, Waitakere River, and Wairoa River projects.
• Monitoring the impacts of land use and development on • Between 2009 -19: We will manage aftercare at four
natural resources and receiving environments to determine former ARC landfills.
trends over time. • Resource consents for discharges to land and to carry
• Developing environmental policy to manage the use of out earthworks and streamworks, will be processed and
land to ensure that human activities are undertaken in monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that the effects
a sustainable manner. of such activities are appropriately managed, and statutory
requirements are met. We will address community
• Monitoring the effectiveness of policy implementation.
concerns by continuing to develop efficient processes
• The processing and compliance monitoring of resource and best practices to enable the responsible treatment
consents to discharge contaminants to land (wastewater, of wastes, contaminants, and the control of sediment.
contaminated land discharges) and to carry out earthworks
and streamworks activities. Levels of service
• A range of environmental programmes, which are
The following Levels of service and associated
undertaken in partnership with iwi and the community, to
performance measures provide an indication over time
improve land management practices, e.g. the Mahurangi
of the successful delivery of the programmes within
Action Plan, Trees for Survival, riparian planting.
the Land Management activity.
• Developing a catchment management framework to
define appropriate water quality standards and land These programmes include components of policy
management targets for identified water bodies, as part development, environmental monitoring, regulation and
of a range of tools to protect fragile freshwater stream he funding and implementation of projects to improve
systems, lakes and their ecology from the effects of land management practices.
land use and development. Some of the performance measures are by nature technical
• Establish a suitable catchments programme that helps indicators and/or output-focused, as these show clearly
to identify and implement actions in priority catchments whether the implementation of environmental policy (both
to achieve water quality standards and other community through statutory and non-statutory methods) is being
and environmental objectives. achieved. For example, measuring the rate of loss of prime land
(Class I, II and III land) will in part determine the effectiveness
The Land Management programme will deliver the following:
of the implementation key policy documents, e.g. the Regional
• Between 2009 -10: We will finalise the review of the Policy Statement and Regional Growth Strategy.
Auckland Regional Plan: Sediment Control
The remaining proposed performance measures are
• During 2009 -10, ARC in consultation with the local output-focused, but provide an indication over time of the
community will scope and implement activities in achievements delivered through jointly funded environmental
the Whangateau Harbour and catchment area to programmes. They also assist in confirming the effectiveness
protect these from current and potential future of the agreed policy direction and its implementation.
environmental degradation.
• Between 2009 -19: We will continue to actively contribute
to the “Inter Council Working Party” which is investigating
GMO issues. We will also address GMO issues, as part
of the RPS review. This process will confirm the GMO
policies to be included in the RPS, as appropriate.
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
88 Natural environment and heritage
Levels of service1 Performance measures Baseline Targets
We will LM 1. The total length (kilometres) of the region’s 19.6 km in 2009/10 At least an additional 15 km
manage streams that are fenced and planted to protect 2007/08
the use and riparian margins through targeted projects 2010/11 At least an additional 15 km
development each year. 2011/12 At least an additional 15 km
of land to
safeguard 2013 - 19 At least an additional 15 km
the region’s
environment, THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 Maintain or decrease
productivity established 2010/11 on baseline
LM 2. Rate of loss of Prime Land (Class I, II and
and economic in 2009/10
III Land*). 2011/12
value of soil.2
*Class I, II and III land ranges from no limitations 2013 - 19
to moderate limitations for arable use, but
suitable for cultivated crops, pasture or forestry.
LM 3. Percentage of ARC landfill aftercare 100% in 2009/10 100%
resource consents achieving category 1 or 2 2007/08
compliance with consent conditions for activities 2010/11 100%
at Pikes Point, Rosedale, Greenmount and
2011/12 100%
Devonport landfills.
Category 1 = full compliance 2013 - 19 100%
Category 2 = minor non-compliance, technical
Category 3 = moderate non-compliance
Category 4 = major non-compliance
Cross references to other performance measures:
1. Performance measures relating to consents processing and compliance monitoring are found in Activity 9
(Planning for the future). Refer measures PF 8, PF 9, PF 10 and PF 11.
2. Also refer to measures SW 1, FW2 and FW4 contained in Activity 1 (Stormwater management) and Activity 2
(Freshwater management).
What this will cost
Financial assumptions
• It is assumed that the completion of the proposed work aftercare budget assumes no major failures will occur at
programmes within this activity is not affected by changes any of the closed landfill sites.
in government legislation. • A Watercare Riparian programme will be fully funded from
• The ARC will continue to provide landfill aftercare for the external income.
term of the LTCCP. Aftercare has historically been funded • Catchment programmes are not expected to vary from
from reserves. Full reserve funding is dependant on interest historic budget levels.
income being apportioned between each landfill. The • Only standard cost inflation has been applied from 2010.
Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
Land management 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Revenue 7,961 7,964 8,197 8,470 8,749 8,951 9,201 9,546 9,823 10,145
Expenditure 18,393 18,290 18,123 18,469 18,869 19,286 19,567 19,737 20,410 20,881
Net cost of services 10,432 10,326 9,926 9,999 10,120 10,335 10,366 10,191 10,587 10,736
Reserves (1,256) (1,209) (353) 19 152 208 234 280 173 319
Rating requirement 9,176 9,117 9,573 10,018 10,272 10,543 10,600 10,471 10,760 11,055
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 89
LTCCP Activity 5: Improving air quality
Key issues
Auckland’s air pollution levels regularly exceed guidelines set The ARC intends to continue its current roles of regulation and
to protect human health. On average these levels have been advocacy in relation to air quality. However, after implementing
exceeded more than 20 times per year since 1999. an air quality education campaign regarding domestic fire
emissions over the past two years, it is proposed that this will
Auckland’s air quality problem is primarily related to the
no longer be funded from this year. The ARC is also proposing
transport sector (between 50 to 80 per cent of pollution levels
to defer policy development work in relation to domestic
depending on the pollutant). There is a significant seasonal
emissions, and it is now intended that this work will be
contribution from domestic fires. In winter, daily emissions
undertaken at a later date.
from all sources can be three times summer levels.
Vehicle use in the region is growing rapidly. Around 895,000 What we want to achieve
motor vehicles are now registered in Auckland. Every day an
additional 35 join the Auckland fleet. The population is expected • Transport emissions reduction policies are incorporated and
to increase to two million people by 2041. More people will be implemented by key regional planning documents, such as
exposed to unacceptable health consequences in future unless the Regional Policy Statement, the Regional Land Transport
Auckland’s air quality is significantly improved. Strategy, the Regional Plan: Air, Land, Water, and the
Regional Growth Strategy, by 2010.
Fine particle (PM10) emissions alone are estimated to cause
• Domestic emissions reduction policies are incorporated into
500 premature deaths and 1.1 million restricted activity days
and implemented by key regional planning documents, such
per year in Auckland, with a wide range of sub-lethal health
as the Regional Policy Statement, the Regional Plan: Air,
problems. A preliminary health impact assessment suggests
Land, Water, and the Regional Growth Strategy, by 2010.
that the current health cost of PM10 emissions in the Auckland
region could be higher than $460 million per annum. The largest • The number of days when internationally accepted health
single contributors to annual PM10 emissions are motor vehicles standards for air quality are exceeded progressively reduce.
(41 per cent) and domestic heating (38 per cent). For nitrogen • To deliver an efficient, high-quality consents processing
oxide (NO2) emissions, the principal source is motor vehicles and compliance monitoring service, which meets
(71 per cent). Consequently, emissions management strategies statutory requirements.
that target these sources will have the greatest impact on • Work with the regional community, stakeholders
improving air quality in Auckland. and partners to raise awareness of air quality issues
In 2004, the Ministry for the Environment introduced National in the region.
Environmental Standards for Air Quality to address the health
consequences of poor air quality in New Zealand, by regulating
or prohibiting certain activities that pollute the air, and
mandating a set of ambient air quality standards that have
to be met for key contaminants.
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
90 Natural environment and heritage
Responsibilities
The ARC is responsible for managing the effects of discharges The improving air quality programme will deliver the following
of contaminants to air and ensuring that air is clean and in 2009/10:
healthy to breathe. This includes monitoring the quality of
• The regional air quality monitoring network will continue
the region’s air across a range of indicators to measure
with a planned expansion to better assess representative
trends and identify major pollutant sources. This monitoring
health exposure in the region.
provides the framework for developing and implementing
effective policy and management options both for improving • Knowledge gaps in the emissions inventory will continue to
the region’s air quality and for meeting the Air Quality National be identified and addressed.
Environmental Standards. • Policies will continue to be developed and assessed
for delivering necessary reductions in domestic and
Under the Resource Management Act, the ARC is responsible
transport emissions.
for controlling the discharges of contaminants into air.
This includes processing and compliance monitoring of air • Trends in air quality and air emissions will be monitored and
discharge consents. evaluated against targets to predict likely future compliance.
The improving air quality programme will deliver the following
What we plan to deliver from 2009–19:
This activity has six components: • Policies for delivering emissions reductions from
transport and domestic sources will be incorporated and
• Advocating for effective policies to reduce air emissions
implemented into the relevant regional plans, strategies and
from transport sources in the region.
policy statements.
• Developing effective policies to reduce air emissions from
• Emissions reduction targets for each of the main sectors
domestic sources in the region.
in the other airsheds will be determined (if necessary).
• Monitoring the quality and health of the region’s air to
• Monitor trends in air quality and forecast air emissions
evaluate the effectiveness of air quality policies to deliver
to track progress against National and regional air
necessary emissions reductions.
quality standards.
• Developing air quality management tools to forecast the
• Resource consents for discharges of contaminants to air
ability of the region to meet clean air targets in the future.
will be processed and monitored to ensure that the effects
• Implementing a range of intervention measures in order to of such activities are appropriately managed and statutory
achieve improved air quality. requirements are met. We will continue to develop efficient
• Working with the regional community and stakeholders processes and best practices to enable the responsible
to inform and educate people on air quality issues, and treatment and control of discharges to air, and to manage
encourage behaviour change to reduce emissions. community concerns.
Levels of service
The following Levels of service and associated performance
measures provide an indication over time of the successful
delivery of the programmes within the Improving air
quality activity.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 91
Levels of service1 Performance measures Baseline Targets
We will implement air THIS IS A NEW MEASURE To be 2009/10 To be achieved
quality policy and targeted established in
AQ 1. Appropriate emissions 2010/11 To be achieved
improvement programmes 2009/10.
reduction policies are reflected in
that seek to maintain or
key regional planning documents 2011/12 To be achieved
improve air quality across
(such as RLTS, ARPS, and ARGS).
the region. 2013 - 19 To be achieved
AQ 2. Meet regional air quality Target 2009/10 No sites to exceed the
targets as per 2002 Ambient Air exceeded at targets annually
Quality Guidelines, particularly 1 site (Queen 2010/11
with regard to Auckland St) of 11
2011/12
residential areas. Targets are: monitoring
sites 2013 - 19
• 20 micrograms per cubic metre
measuring
for PM10 annual average, and
PM10 in 2007.
• 100 micrograms per cubic metre
Target not
for 24 hour average for NO2
exceeded
These targets may be subject to at any sites
change once the appeal on the measuring NO2
Regional Air Quality Targets in the in 2007.
PARP:ALW has been resolved.
We will monitor and report on AQ 3. Percentage of valid data 95% in 2007/08 2009/10 75%
the quality and health of the collected over a year for all
region’s air to evaluate the pollutants measured at ARC air 2010/11 75%
effectiveness of air quality quality monitoring sites, as per
2011/12 75%
policies and initiatives. Ministry for the Environment
‘Good Practice’ Guidelines. 2013 - 19 75%
AQ 4. Reporting of exceedences 100% reported 2009/10 100% reported on time
of the National Environmental on time in
Standards for air quality are 2007/08 2010/11 100% reported on time
within statutory timeframes
2011/12 100% reported on time
(in the month following the month
of exceedence). 2013 - 19 100% reported on time
We will provide support and AQ 5. Review and update Auckland Updated in 2009 - 12 To be achieved
leadership to community and Air Emissions Inventory at least 2007/08
stakeholder groups so they every three years 2012 - 15 To be achieved
can contribute to improving
2015 - 18 To be achieved.
air quality and to reduce the
adverse effects of air pollution
in the Auckland region.
Cross references to other performance measures:
1. Performance measures relating to consents processing and compliance monitoring are
found in Activity 9 (Planning for the future). Refer measures PF 8, PF 9, PF 10 and PF 11.
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
92 Natural environment and heritage
What this will cost
Financial assumptions
• It is assumed that the completion of the proposed work
programmes within this activity is not affected by changes
in government legislation, e.g. changes to the Air Quality
National Environmental Standards.
• Only standard cost inflation has been applied from 2010.
Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands
Plan Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
Improving air quality 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Revenue 1,001 1,034 1,065 1,097 1,128 1,154 1,184 1,222 1,256 1,294
Expenditure 3,075 3,193 3,265 3,353 3,429 3,494 3,573 3,653 3,746 3,840
Net cost of services 2,074 2,159 2,200 2,256 2,301 2,340 2,389 2,431 2,490 2,546
Reserves (48) (48) (27) (15) (10) (9) (12) (12) (15) (10)
Rating requirement 2,026 2,111 2,173 2,241 2,291 2,331 2,377 2,419 2,475 2,536
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanCHAPTER 3.3
Natural environment and heritage 93
Auckland Regional CouncilCHAPTER 3.3
94 Natural environment and heritage
LTCCP Activity 6: Natural heritage conservation
Note: Since the 2006-16 LTCCP, we have separated Natural • Between 2009 -19: Implement a biodiversity advocacy
heritage conservation from Biosecurity activities to better and conservation programme focused on landowner liaison
reflect the separate funding components. and community partnership, working in particular with the
rural community.
Key issues • Develop regional ecological corridors including the
North-West Wildlink, in partnership with community and
The Auckland region is home to unique natural habitats and
other agencies.
ecosystems including plants and animals, a number of which
are endangered. The ARC works with a large number of • Advocate for the protection of Auckland’s Volcanic
community groups and landowners to undertake biodiversity Cones through statutory and non-statutory processes.
conservation on private land, and to advocate for natural • Advocate for the protection of significant natural
heritage protection through statutory plans and processes. areas and natural heritage through statutory and
non-statutory processes.
The ARC manages, in conjunction with community groups,
a number of conservation programmes on our regional parks, • Between 2009 -19: Together with our partners, Tawharanui
which aim to restore native wildlife populations that have been Open Sanctuary Society, Shakespear Open Sanctuary
severely affected by habitat loss and predators. Society and the Waitakere Branch of the Royal Forest and
Bird Protection Society, we will:
The protection of Auckland’s unique geological features,
- implement the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary
landforms and landscapes, including the volcanic cones,
is also important. - plan for the development of an open sanctuary at
Shakespear Regional Park, including a predator proof
What we want to achieve fence in 2009/10 in partnership with the community,
to be completed in 2011 and followed up with a pest
• Work with the regional community to raise awareness of, eradication programme in 2011/12
and advocate for, the conservation of our natural treasures. - advise and assist Waitakere Forest and Bird with
• Protect and enhance significant habitats and endangered implementing Ark in the Park.
species in regional parks.
• Between 2009 -19: Continue a wide-ranging habitat
Responsibilities restoration and species management programme on
regional parks, including the management of the Muriwai
Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Australasian gannet colony, North Island brown kiwi and
Biosecurity Act 1993, the ARC has responsibility to establish, pateke at Tawharanui, North Island robin at Wenderholm,
implement and review policy for maintaining the diversity of hihi in Ark in the Park, the Hunua Ranges kokako
native plants and animals, and their habitats (biodiversity), population, and the planting of native plants in
and to prepare and implement a regional strategy for the partnership with the community.
management of plant and animal pests. Under the RMA, the
• Provide information and advice to the regional
ARC also has the responsibility to develop policy to achieve the
community in conjunction with targeted education
integrated and sustainable management of natural and physical
and advocacy programmes.
resources such as landforms, landscapes, wetlands and
ecosystems. We also work to ensure that significant natural Levels of service
heritage resources are identified and managed appropriately,
in accordance with the RMA. The following Levels of service and associated performance
measures provide an indication over time of the successful
What we plan to deliver delivery of the programmes within the Natural heritage activity.
We will deliver the following: The remaining proposed performance measures are
output-focused, but provide an indication over time of the
• Between 2009 -19: Implement a regional ecological
achievements delivered through jointly funded environmental
monitoring network, including monitoring native bird
programmes. They also assist in confirming the effectiveness
populations in Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, wetland and
of the agreed policy direction and its implementation.
forest ecosystems, and endangered species and enhanced
baseline monitoring in the Waitakere Ranges.
2009-19 Long-Term Council Community PlanYou can also read
