My commitment to you is to work hard to ensure that our air, water, land transport and natural resources are managed to the community's expectations. The 2021 team want you to be proud of what we pass on to our children.
Much has been achieved. Ecan's bus services are judged the most progressive
in Australasia. We are moving to protect Christchurch's groundwater and the 'Greenbelt' by preventing urban sprawl. As a member of the Urban Development Strategy Implementation Committee I have strongly supported these policies. We are on track to achieve the National Standards for air quality. Our 'Clean Heat' programme has been a huge success with 10,000 open fires and older log burners replaced since 2003. Christchurch is no longer the dirty air capital of the country. I have had a significant role in achieving these results as Chairman of the Regional Planning Committee and the Air Quality and Energy Portfolio.
There is much to be done. Our water is not for sale. I am committed to a high level of protection for the Christchurch aquifers. Our groundwater must be preserved at its present excellent quality. Water management charges are proposed to be funded by 'user pays'. This will mean a reduction in the general rate. Resource consent holders will pay their share of the management charges in line with the volumes they are permitted to take. The Regional Policy review will be completed next term of Council
