Report highlights continued priority on local solutions
Environment Southland has continued to prioritise regional solutions, delivering a number of successes in the past year.
The Council’s 2023-24 Annual Report was adopted this morning (23 October). The audited report reviews the Council’s achievements for the year, comparing them to the aims set out in the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan.
Chairman Nicol Horrell said developing this year’s Annual Report provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes the 2023-24 year has brought.
“The change in government has meant an increased focus on regionalism; something we’re already pretty good at here in Southland.”
“We have a strong track record of seeking solutions that work for Southland, and this year has been no different.”
Among the highlights was the finalising of the Southland Water and Land Plan, made formally operative in May after many years of work with the community. The plan is underpinned by Southland-specific science, tailored to our region and our communities.
“Another highlight for council has been completing flood protection upgrades, co-funded by central government, on the Waihōpai River and Mataura River at Gore, Mataura and Wyndham.”
“These are important projects for improving our community’s resilience when it comes to our most common natural hazard - flooding.”
Environment Southland has also been leading a project along with the other four Southern councils and Te Ao Mārama, to deliver a climate change strategy. The strategy signals our combined commitment to a cohesive, regional response to support our communities’ environmental, economic, cultural and social wellbeing from the effects of a changing climate.
Our responsibilities in the biosecurity and biodiversity space also presented a key highlight this year.
The Undaria programme has stamped out the marine pest in Chalky Inlet and work continues on progressively containing it in Tamatea Dusky Sound and Te Puaitaha Breaksea Sound. It looks likely Broad Bay, Rakiura Stewart Island might be declared Undaria-free next year.
Looking ahead, as we follow the new Long-term Plan 2024-2034, we will be focusing on continuing to build on our resilience to our changing climate and supporting catchment and individual actions to improve environmental outcomes. We all have a responsibility to be kaitiaki guardians of our environment.
Both the full Purongo-ā-Tau Annual Report and Annual Report Summary will be available on the Environment Southland website, www.es.govt.nz.