http://www.resilientpathways.org.nz

Press Release
Resilient Communities Working Group
13 May 2009

Resiliency plan needed to avert economic and social upheavals

“More urgency is required in the planning of actions to reduce inevitable physical, economic and social upheavals that could result from climate change, pandemics and the end of cheap oil” said Ian Shearer, a member of the team presenting a submission from the Resilient Communities Working Group to Greater Wellington’s LTCCP hearings today.

“People are realising that the time for action is now.  We need to ensure the resilience and well-being of our communities by taking steps today” said working group member Alison Hoffmann.  “Adapting to rapidly deteriorating climate and environmental conditions needs to start now or the hardships and disruption will be significantly worse for residents” said Mr Shearer.

The Resilient Communities Working Group recently organised a regional Pathways to Resilient Communities event, and they are reporting on the outcomes of that event to Greater Wellington Regional Council’s LTCCP Hearings Committee.  The working group is asking Council to champion the development of a plan to assist the region to support efforts to promote more sustainable, resilient, and healthy communities.

“The energy and enthusiasm in the room at the Pathways to Resilient Communities event was electric and came from a diverse range of people.  The community is ready to take action and Council could have a huge impact leading the way” said Christina Bellis, the lead organiser of the resiliency event.

The establishment of a small Wellington Regional Community Resilience Unit within Greater Wellington, in partnership with the other councils, could help develop the Plan by working with local resilience-focused community groups.  With our community facing potentially disastrous oil and water shortages, damaging climate change impacts, and economic disruption from pandemics, more effort is needed to better prepare the community.

“Environment Canterbury is in the process of developing a similar locally based resilience plan for their community using internal staff resources and a limited budget.  The Wellington region needs to develop a similar plan” concluded Ms Bellis.

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