Experience this wonderful natural beauty while it still exists
—  it may not be in `safe hands` for long.

SANDSPIT SOS INC

Sandspit SOS Inc is a community group based in Sandspit which has as its objective: 

To protect and conserve the coast, coastal catchment, and environs of the Sandspit, Glen Eden and Matakana estuaries for the benefit of the environment and for the enjoyment of the general public.  Our submission therefore has a strong focus on environmental matters as they affect our coastal and rural catchments.  

 Sandspit SOS Inc considers that the draft plan has been well thought out and is a positive step in developing a strong plan for Rodney’s future path.  

We make the following comments on the plan.

 Our Vision, p2

 It will be a challenge for the Council to ensure that the rural and coastal environments are protected while providing for the recreation needs of the area and strengthening the local economy.  Rodney’s planning documents need to be transparent on zoning, be written in a clear and unambiguous manner, control development, and identify areas that need protecting – especially our coastal areas and waterways.

 Priorities, p8

 The plan lists seven priorities, the last being care for our environment.  By putting it at the end, it appears to be an add-on and perhaps not as important as the other priorities. Sandspit SOS Inc considers that the views covered in this objective, while laudable, need to be woven throughout the other six priorities.  For example, building the economy and providing recreation opportunities for Rodney’s residents cannot be sustainably achieved without applying an environmental focus to planning and decision making.  Perhaps relevant objectives on environmental impacts could be included under each objective. 

 Priority One: Build and Strengthen our Economy, p10 

Sandspit SOS Inc recognises the need for the building and strengthening of Rodney’s economy.  However, this needs to be done in a considered way with care being taken on where business and industrial developments are located.  The size and scale of any development needs to be appropriate for the area where it is located.  The argument is often used that there is already some development in an area so more development is okay.  It needs to be acknowledged that there is a point when the threshold for development in an area has been met and the landscape cannot take more change.  It is also important to ensure that the infrastructure of an area can support any developments without adversely affecting the environment and amenity for the community.

 Priority Two: Actively Manage Growth and Retain Coastal and Rural Character, p13   

It is good to see that the main objective under this priority is to actively manage the pressures of growth and maintain and enhance the character of Rodney’s townships and rural areas and coastal environment through excellent urban and rural planning.  There are already some good planning documents, such as the Sandspit/Snells Beach/Algies Bay Structure Plan 1999 and the Sandspit Reserve Management Plan 1997.  As well as reviewing the over-arching planning documents, these local plans also need to be revised and enhanced with community input.  It is also important that these documents are maintained and do not become out of date with the result that developers think they can be ignored because they are obsolete. We support the values expressed at the end of this section.

Priority Three: Provide Effective and Reliable Infrastructure, p14  

The development of infrastructure must always be sustainable and environmentally focussed.  We are pleased to see that the draft plan acknowledges the environmental significance of Rodney’s harbours, beaches and rivers and acknowledges that there must be plans to better manage discharge, etc into them.  Sandspit SOS Inc has a special interest in the Sandspit, Glen Eden and Matakana River catchment area and has commenced an estuary care group.  Our group may be interested in developing a Management Plan to cover this area. 

Priority Four: Provide Safe , Efficient, and Multi Modal Transportation Networks, p16

 Sandspit SOS Inc has concerns for the fragile Sandspit Road.  Proposed developments in the area would put further pressure on this vital link for Sandspit residents.  Developments need to be located in areas where there are good roading networks, and there needs to be regular maintenance on local roads which provide the only access to residential areas.   

We are supportive of the proposed safety issues listed on page 18 to be worked on in conjunction with Auckland Transport and The New Zealand Transport Agency.

 While roading networks need to be developed, parking also needs to be addressed.  At peak times, parking in areas such as Sandspit becomes a nightmare, with vehicles parked illegally for long periods of time, a lack of enforcement to discourage such actions, and residents being unable to park their cars to access the spit and estuaries.  Issues such as these need to be addressed, but not by providing more large car parks that are not in proportion to their location.  

 Priority Five: Provide for the Recreational Needs of the Community, p20

Sandspit SOS Inc supports most of the proposals in this section.  Access to parks, walkways and our rivers and beaches is important to Rodney residents.  Improving access to these areas is important, but must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.  It is also important that communities are consulted when new developments are proposed for an area or improvements or changes are proposed for existing amenities.   

Priority Six: Engage with our Diverse Communities and Provide for Their Social and Cultural Needs, p22

 As a community group we are pleased to see that the Local Board sees itself as having an important role to play in communicating and supporting community groups. 

 Priority Seven: Care for Our Environment, p24

 As stated previously, Sandspit SOS Inc has a strong interest in protecting and conserving the natural environment of the region, and specifically the environs of the Sandspit, Glen Eden and Matakana estuaries.  We strongly endorse the initiatives listed in this section of the draft plan.  Sandspit SOS Inc is pleased to see that the Local Board will strongly advocate for funding and will support community groups actively caring for our natural environment.  We strongly support the Sandspit Reserve Restoration Plan submission. Our group looks forward to working with the Local Board on environmental initiatives we are developing for our local area.