Of more than 360 submissions received on the draft Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS), most say they support the general direction of the Strategy but its implementation is what matters most.
After almost three years work by the UDS partners, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, Environment Canterbury, and Transit New Zealand - in consultation with their communities released the draft Strategy for public comment from 6 November to 20 December, 2006.
A common thread through the submissions is a need to put the strategy into action, with the UDS partners continuing to work together for the good of their communities rather than follow directives issued by particular lobby groups.
As one submission put it: "Actions speak louder than words." Numerous comments echo this idea with another saying: "General principle sounds fine but implementation and sustained intelligent commitment will be crucial " and another, "It requires sensible planning, implementation and not neglecting it once it is completed".
UDS Forum chair Bob Parker said the lower submission numbers, compared to 3,250 for the initial consultation on options for dealing with growth, was not surprising.
Of the more than 360 submissions:
Of the 288 who filled in and sent back feedback forms:
Next steps
UDS submission hearings by the Joint Councils Hearings Panel were held during February and March 2007. The Panel, chaired by Bob Parker, was a first with all four councils being equally represented. Following the hearings the final adopted Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy was agreed in April 2007 with a launch in June of that year.