Insights from the 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress
2023 was a year to remember. It was marked by unprecedented weather events, with a year’s worth of rain in just a few months, causing tragic loss of lives, homes and infrastructure. These events were a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.
As a city we learnt some hard lessons:
· Some of our existing infrastructure is based on old weather patterns and is no longer fit for purpose
· We need to give water not just a place to rest but the space to move around the city
· We need to protect our urban forests and coastlines
· We need to take the opportunity to think differently
· We need to work at pace by prioritising and funding initiatives which will ultimately make Auckland a better place
· In short, we need to go greener faster
Auckland hosted the 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress, 3-5 September. It covered critical themes to drive sustainable urban development. Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure were at the heart of the discussions. How we manage flooding, protect coastlines and reimagine infrastructure to protect ourselves for the future were all discussed.
Auckland Council has been proactive in adopting green infrastructure. Initiatives like water-sensitive urban design in Wynyard Quarter. The greening of the city’s waterfront with rain gardens and native trees showcase efforts to mitigate flooding and reduce heat while enhancing biodiversity. The Oakley Creek Park restoration in central Auckland, which transformed a concrete channel into a naturalised stream, significantly reducing flooding risk. As well as our Shoreline Adaptation Plans to protect our 3500km of coastline and Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy aiming to increase tree canopy cover, especially in areas vulnerable to high temperatures, all contribute to this aim.
Auckland's commitment to green infrastructure is also evident in its Making Space for Water programme, which aims to improve flood intelligence and stormwater management. Key projects in South Auckland are already underway. However, this is a timely reminder. If your residential property was badly affected by the Auckland Anniversary floods in January 2023 or Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 there is a 30 September 2024 deadline to register for a free risk assessment. Just over 40% of more than 7000 properties impacted across Auckland have signed up. I strongly encourage you to get in touch. If you’re not in the programme by 30 September, you will not be eligible for additional support. If you or someone you know could benefit from this programme assessment, please share the information and deadline date.
To find out more and register, visit tinyurl.com deadline-approaching or call our Recovery Office team on T: 09 884 2070.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
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