The Resource Management Act (RMA) came into effect in 1991, with the purpose 'to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources', such as Land (including soil) and Water (including rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, modified watercourses and groundwater).
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is applying for resource consent required under the Resource Management Act to authorise activities which occur within the management of its stormwater system in a more comprehensive approach.
The Resource Management Act also provides for extensive participation by divergent interests such as iwi or community groups.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Stormwater Strategy was published in 2005 as a collaborative approach between the Regional and District Council's within the Bay of Plenty to better manage urban stormwater in the district and improve the water quality of discharges into streams, rivers, Tauranga Harbour and Maketu Estuary. Actions within the strategy include Territorial Authorities obtaining comprehensive stormwater consents for urban areas in each district.
Council has decided to split its District into three distinct areas for the purpose of applying for comprehensive stormwater consents. These include the Western, Central and Eastern Catchments. Catchment Management Plans are being prepared for each area.