Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

Councils have annual plans where a draft plan and budget is presented to the community to enable feedback before the final plan and budget is finalised. The plan sets out what is to be done, what it will cost and where the costs will be funded from. No annual plan can sit in isolation from the larger and longer term position, however and that is why councils are also required to have 10 year plans so that the wider, longer term picture for works, services, priorities, costs and funding is clear. An annual plan can therefore always be seen in context of the longer view.

Most accept that current annual plans and budgets are being prepared and decided in ‘difficult' times. For the decision makers, it is a balancing act between exercising restraint, whilst maintaining prudence. How to provide for the now and the future in fair and judicious ways.

The regional council is ‘blessed' to have investment income to apply to its expense and investment decisions. This derives from the council's shareholding in the Port of Tauranga. This eases the burden on rates. However, to my mind, this fact of history places an even greater onus on the council decision making to be not just fair and prudent, but excellent.

As a regional councillor, I think about the following;

Our region's environment; whilst our greatest asset, it is very fragile and preservation and enhancement of our land, air, coast and waterways will require significant ongoing long-term investment. Regional councils have ‘special places' in the protection and enhancement of regional environments and with 12 lakes, eight major rivers, iconic harbours, long sweeping stretches of coastline, geothermal activity ETC, we have much to look after.

Our region's economy needs to continue to develop and employment is a key issue for the now and longer term. There needs to be a long-term commitment to an integrated coordinated approach to developing a unique sustainable regional economy that cleverly finds the right balance between environmental protection and economic sustenance. Employment is our life blood. The regional council can play a part or parts.

Our communities within the region are unique and diverse. They are made up of people who have or who are making, strong connections and attachments to our region. It is our people, their past heritage and history and present commitment and attachment who will ultimately craft the future. It is part of the councils duty to engage with them – in various ways to help generate and support the ‘thinking' and determination that will shape the now and longer term.

There are many challenges – and a need for open, respectful prudent strategic decision making. The bar on good decision making is high – and rightly so.