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Key Issues
è Adverse environmental effects of the development of infrastructure and services.
è Threats to the infrastructure resource as a result of developments which may adversely affect their operation.
Background
Infrastructure and servicing facilities are an important part of the physical resource base. Water supply, stormwater and sewerage systems, rubbish disposal, roading, rail and air travel facilities are vital to the development of Westland but care needs to be taken to ensure that they do not generate adverse effects on amenities and resources. For example leachate contamination of water and soil from rubbish disposal sites can have significant environmental effects. Facilities which service the community such as reserves and recreation facilities are also important to the well-being of the community.
The effective and efficient provision of services in Westland is hampered to some degree by the low population, small size and geographic isolation of settlements. Isolation highlights the importance of the transport network, in particular the state highway system; air transport; and the need for adequate telecommunications systems, radio and television transmission. For example, the Hokitika airport is important to the current and future business and tourism development in the District. The level of services, and the cost to extend, upgrade or add new facilities can act as an effective constraint on further development. The level of isolation experienced in many parts of the District emphasises the need for Westland to become less energy dependent on the rest of New Zealand and more energy efficient. In this regard, hydro electric power generation could represent a viable option in the future provision of the District's energy needs. In addition, independent and small scale generators of energy are likely to be required.
Where the environmental impacts of infrastructure development may be significant, well managed siting, design and construction of facilities will have to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts. Once the infrastructure is in place adverse effects on them should be minimised in order to protect the resource. For example, access points onto a State Highway should be carefully managed to protect the value of the State Highway for efficient traffic movement. Signs and activities with the potential to cause distraction to traffic also need to be controlled. Infrastructure, service and communications resources represent a significant financial investment and are highly valued by the community, business and industry.
Recreational facilities are important elements of the District's infrastructure. The District is well endowed with passive outdoor spaces and much more active recreation occurs on land managed by Timberlands West Coast and the Department of Conservation. Indoor facilities, however, are especially desired, given high rainfall in the District. Without the Council being involved in the provision or significant enhancement of recreational facilities, it is possible that a number of recreational options would be unavailable due to the low population.
Objectives
3.4.1 To ensure that all servicing activities are carried out in a manner, and in locations, which avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects.
3.4.2 To ensure that activities located adjacent to infrastructure resources do not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of those resources.
3.4.3 To ensure that new development provides for a share of the requirements for recreation facilities generated in the District.
Reasons
è Ensures that Council activities and those of other organisations involved in service and infrastructure provision are treated equally and according to common criteria.
è Infrastructure and services make a significant contribution to the welfare of people and communities but can also impact on their welfare and amenities if effects are not managed effectively.
è Infrastructure resources and service facilities are significant physical resources which represent a substantial financial and social commitment. As such the effects of activities which may detrimentally impact on this resource need to be effectively controlled.
è New and upgraded recreation facilities are in constant demand from residents especially as a result of new development in the District.
