Environment groups key to District’s natural future
Above: Environmental organisation leaders front left to right, Michelle Elborn Bay Conservation Alliance, Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands Julian Fitter and Tania Bramley, Envirohub Laura Wragg and Emma Woods. Centre back Western Bay Council Community Engagement Officer Glenn Ayo.
Behind the scenes in the Western Bay, a host of community groups are beavering away to improve the environment and heighten community awareness of sustainable ecological and conservation practices.
At the start of 2018 there were 39 environmental care groups working in the Western Bay. The more successful groups are turning over up to $70,000 annually and are making a huge difference to their respective environmental areas.
The key groups gave presentations to Western Bay of Plenty District councillors last month to update Council on their work. These groups will be important to Council as it undertakes a review of the Natural Environment Strategy.
EnviroHub is a key umbrella organisation fostering environmental and sustainability work across the Bay of Plenty. The highlight of their calendar is the annual Sustainable Backyards Month, which showcases our environmental and sustainability work. One of several great initiatives Envirohub is partnering to deliver is the Predator Free programme which has recently begun in Te Puke.
Bay Conservation Alliance is a coalition of five environmental organisations in the District focused on environmental restoration. Alliance is aiming to grow its membership as it provides hands on' operational support for groups working on environmental restoration.
Council's Natural Environment Strategy sets out what is most valued about the District's natural environment and how Council has a role in protecting the natural environment - coastal, rural and urban.
Council is reviewing this strategy and is also preparing a Climate Change Action Plan. This work involves examining the work these community organisations are doing and the contribution they make to the environmental outcomes of the District.
Council's Senior Policy Analyst Jodie Rickard says the environmental organisations are key stakeholders in the review of the Strategy and in the development of a Climate Change Action Plan.
"It was valuable to hear an overview of the work these organisations are doing and what they are achieving - in part with the assistance of our Council,'' says Jodie.
"Having a good knowledge of the work that is currently happening and what more can be achieved will help shape Council's future direction and decision making to achieve environmental outcomes.''