April 17, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE
Land Use Recovery Plan consultation finishing soon

Environment Canterbury today issued a reminder that community consultation on the preliminary draft Land Use Recovery Plan for greater Christchurch will close at noon on Monday 22 April.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee gave Environment Canterbury responsibility for developing the plan.

Thanking stakeholders, iwi and members of the public for their participation in recent workshops, Commissioner Peter Skelton says the plan aims to provide certainty regarding land use for residences and businesses and a framework for land use decision-making for years to come.

“Stakeholders and the wider community have taken various opportunities to participate in developing this important plan for the future of greater Christchurch,” Professor Skelton said.

“The Land Use Recovery Plan will help make sure new houses, businesses and community facilities are built in the best possible locations, with efficient connections and infrastructure. The plan will provide an overview of the way greater Christchurch will recover and develop as a whole, while also maintaining and enhancing the best of individual communities.”

Professor Skelton said the strategic partners in developing the draft plan were encouraged by the number of people who participated in the series of workshops and the quality of their contributions. “We have heard from a wide variety of community groups and individuals who have offered many positive suggestions on ways recovery can be further facilitated. The partners welcome all ideas and possible solutions to ensure the plan reflects urgent needs and aspirations for recovery in greater Christchurch.”

Following the consultation process, the draft recovery plan will be presented to Minister Brownlee by the middle of this year. Mr Brownlee will call for written comments before considering the draft plan.

For information on the Land Use Recovery Plan for greater Christchurch, including an online comments form, go to www.developingchoices.org.nz. Comments close at 12pm on Monday 22 April.

The strategic partners are the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

ENDS

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