6 October 2004

Region's 'health' set out in extensive ARC report

The State of the Auckland Region Report 2004, released recently by the Auckland Regional Council, provides a wealth of information about the social, cultural, economical and environmental 'state' of the Auckland region.

The report, produced as part of the Council's reporting obligations under the Resource Management Act, covers a range of issues including transport and travel, employment and education, flora and fauna, air and water.

Building on information outlined in the last report, produced in 1999, the 2004 report provides a snapshot of how the region is today. It details how many people live here, where and how we live, what we earn, how we travel and work. It tells us about our weather, our water and air quality, where our public open space is, where our natural ecosystems are and how healthy they are.

ARC Chair Gwen Bull says that the extensive report brings social, economic, cultural and environmental facts together in one place. It is a resource that will be of benefit to those looking for general facts and figures about the region and the people that live here as well as those wanting more in-depth information about specific issues.

"To have such a comprehensive collection of information about the issues affecting the region is beneficial to us all," she says. "This report tells us what the situation is today, and what the implications are for the future if we continue in the same way."

Cr Bull says that while population and economic growth both bring a lot of benefits for the Auckland region, they also bring about a diverse range of both positive and negative impacts.

"More people means greater housing and land needs, more job opportunities and cultural diversity. However, more people also means more cars, higher levels of pollution, and increased pressure on infrastructure and services.

"This report allows us to consider both the positives and the negatives of living in a metropolitan, diverse and vibrant region."

The State of the Auckland Region Report is split into four chapters: Our People; The Air and Atmosphere; The Land; and Our Fresh and Coastal Waters. Each chapter covers a range of issues and looks at each in terms of the 'State', which outlines the issue at present; and 'Implications', which discusses why the particular issue is important to the region, and what the potential long-term impacts are if nothing is done.

For each chapter, the report outlines the roles and initiatives of the ARC in relation to the issues discussed. Also included in the report is a 'Community Responses' section, which recognises that while the ARC has specific responsibilities, everyone has a role to play to help make the region a better place to live, and that there are many individuals, groups and organisations active in the community.

Copies of the Report are available online at www.arc.govt.nz or from the ARC, phone: 09 366 2000, or email: info@arc.govt.nz.

http://www.arc.govt.nz

ENDS

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