Community Outcome - Porirua is a Valued Natural Environment
This page describes the Community Outcome: Porirua is a Valued Natural Environment.
Porirua is a valued natural environment - "The natural environment is valued and protected by the community and its quality improved."
We know how important our land and harbour environments are to our city and our communities. Looking after the environment is a priority and we will take part in environment and conservation activities. We will monitor the health of natural environment and will use the right plans and strategies to help us to take care of it. We will work together to keep the land, water and air in Porirua clean and healthy for current and future residents.
Protecting our landscapes and harbour is a Strategic Focus Area in the Council Long Term Plan 2009-19 and will remain a priority in the draft Long Term Plan 2012-22. Some environmental protection activities require multi-agency approaches such as the Harbour and Catchment Management Plan and the Pauatahanui Inlet Action Plan. Other activities in which Council contributes to enhancing the environment include water management, waste minimisation and kerbside recycling, rubbish collection and disposal, zero waste initiatives, graffiti management and management of natural, cultural and heritage sites and ecosystems.
(1) Harbour and Catchment Management Strategy
The Porirua Harbour and Catchment Management Strategy was launched on 24 April 2012. Led by Porirua City Council, the three other key stakeholders are Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and local iwi Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira. The Strategy was four years in the making and provides a framework for multi-agency coordination and cooperation. It includes a variety of actions to improve the health of the harbour and its catchments.
(2) Retaining Green Space and Preserving Ridges and Coastlines
We place a high value on maintaining and improving our city's green spaces and coastlines preservation initiatives. A range of current and future activities are contained in key local and regional documents which reflect the value we place on our natural environment and its need for protection. For example, the Porirua City District Plan is a document that provides for change, development and use of the environment, while protecting and safeguarding it for future generations.
The 2009 Porirua Development Framework also takes into account the potential environmental impact of future population growth. The Framework acts as a guiding document and provides a 'picture' of what the city may eventually look like in 30 years time and includes a green network - that is, the city's existing large public reserves, pathways networks and possible extensions to the that network. The appropriate maintenance of the open natural countryside has been identified in the Framework along with strengthening the city's green and leafy appearance, coastal management and improvements to the harbour and waterways.
Many organisations, sectors, forums and individuals help to protect our natural environment. Some of those who contribute to this outcome include:
Many organisations, sectors, forums and individuals help to protect our natural environment. Some of those who contribute to this outcome include:
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