In North Shore City you have told us through the community outcomes process that you want existing and future development (residential and commercial) to have a minimal impact on the environment.

You also want to see the natural environment, such as our streams and beaches, protected and where possible improved.

To achieve this we can be assisted by learning from others’ successes.

Recently, senior staff went on a whirlwind study tour to Seattle, Portland and San Francisco to see best practices in stream restoration and urban design, urban redevelopment and education for sustainability.

What they found was a culture where local government, developers and the community all contribute to getting things done for the betterment of the environment.

As a result of the collective action-oriented approach, infrastructure costs decrease while property and amenity values increase at no, or very little, additional cost. Everyone participates and everyone reaps the benefits.

Projects ranged from riparian planting and ‘daylighting’ streams that had previously been piped, to providing sustainable developments that integrate transport, urban planning, stormwater management and even art, to create much better public open spaces.

We are now deciding how we can incorporate some of these ideas into our existing planning and capital works programmes.

Above: A picturesque Seattle St. that meets sustainable stormwater requirements.