Transport planner Duncan Tindall is the new SmartGrowth Implementation Manager.

The announcement was made yesterday by SmartGrowth independent chairman Bill Wasley, with Duncan replacing Justine Brennan, who left earlier this year to take up a position with Tauranga City Council.

New SmartGrowth implementation manager Duncan Tindal.

'Duncan's planning experience positions him well to take up this important challenge for the western Bay of Plenty,” says Bill, and he will be working on strategic long term approaches that bring added benefits to the sub-region.

'He will bring further fresh-thinking to implementing SmartGrowth.”

Duncan has a Civil Engineering degree from London, and has worked in transport planning in England as well as the Bay of Plenty for the past four-and-a-half years.

His aim is to build relationships across the public sector organisations and private sector companies who deliver and contribute to the built and natural environments in the western Bay.

'I've been very impressed with what SmartGrowth has delivered over the past ten years,” says Duncan, 'and am looking to build on that good record.

'One of my aims is to communicate the benefits of this high quality spatial plan and associated collaborative approach to a wider range of people both within and beyond the area.”

Another challenge is to help provide for affordable housing opportunities that support the social and cultural needs of the community and the range of quality employment opportunities and facilities needed.

Duncan starts in his new job on February 9, 2015.

SmartGrowth brings together the three councils, tangata whenua, government agencies, strategic partners and community groups to plan for the future of the western Bay of Plenty.

The Strategy identifies opportunities for sustaining and improving the environment, building the community, recognising cultural identity and change, growing a sustainable economy, leadership and collaboration, integrated planning and the provision of an integrated settlement pattern.