Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

A recent report developed for Invest Bay of Plenty, the proposed Bay of Plenty spatial plan, indicated that generally, the region's infrastructure performs well and is fit for purpose. There are obvious local issues which are being addressed at a local level. But, overall, in comparison to the significance of trends in social change predicted from depopulation and ageing employment concerns, these are relatively minor.

The challenge is that forward investment in infrastructure in the Western Bay area will span a period of unprecedented population change posing important questions of long-term sustainability. Looming pressure from climate change will also pose challenges.

The investment in infrastructure across the region is huge. It covers areas such as roads, health, education, energy, water and wastewater, ports and airports. Approximately 43% of all Council operating expenditure goes to existing infrastructure with central government investing hugely in some infrastructure types (roads in particular). For some infrastructure there is very clear long-term strategy providing clarity about future trade-offs and priorities. But, in other areas there is no such clarity of purpose. Given the enormous sums involved and evidence of a sinking lid on funding there is an increasing need to collaborate, contain costs and optimise. There is a need to be innovative, seek opportunities for cost efficiencies in use of new technologies and methods of service delivery.

Fit for purpose infrastructure is key for our future success. We need to focus on smart planning and development for the future.

If you have views on this or any other issue, you can email me at neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.