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

There is a meeting for Bay of Plenty Mayors and CEO's this week with Acting Minister for Local Government on the Government's plans for reforming local government.

You will be hearing lots more about this over the next few months. Already Hamilton City has proposed there be community discussion on a new look for local government in Hamilton and the Waikato.

Obviously we need to see the ‘black and white' of the Government's thinking before starting discussions in our communities about any possible changes. This will be a really important discussion and it will be absolutely essential that the various communities in the Bay of Plenty are fully engaged in the analysis and discussion of the future functions and form of local government.

However – back in the real world - all councils are busy consulting with their communities on their 10 year plans.

The Regional Council's April ‘Backyard 'publication is all about the 10 year plan. Submissions close on 27 April. The Council website – www.boprc.govt.nz also has good information.

The regional council is a different beast to the six territorial councils in the Bay of Plenty. Regional councils have different functions; particularly under the Resource Management Act for the sustainable management of the region's natural resources.

That's why our major programmes relate to flooding/drainage, Rotorua Lakes water quality, Tauranga Harbour protection and enhancement, air quality, pollution prevention, pest control and land use management.

The council also funds public transport and regional economic development and is blessed to receive almost one third of its income from investment income.

If there is to be a change to how local government operates going forward we need to be ever mindful of the need to protect and manage our environmental assets. Let's hope wise and open minds are key ingredients to the discussions in front of us all.