Opinion: Sustainable solutions are the key to our future
Oliver Taylor is standing for Hastings District Council in the Heretaunga ward.
In my opening statement when I announced my candidacy for Hastings District Council, I mentioned sustainable development. This is what I meant.
I believe the council needs to focus on projects that will not only work now, but will continue to succeed in the future.
Modern day issues such as climate change need modern day solutions. This can be achieved through implementing sustainable infrastructure, including recycling facilities, drainage systems, and comprehensive coastal development, while also maintaining our district’s commitment to New Zealand being carbon neutral by 2050.
Drug use is prevalent within Hawke’s Bay, with a recent nationwide wastewater drug test showing meth use per 1000 people at 990mg per day between Napier and Hastings. Taking drugs out of the hands of distributors and treating drug use as a health issue, not criminalising those who use illicit substances, is the best method for achieving positive health and social outcomes for our district.
Poor mental health continues to be a struggle within our community, especially in our young people. Providing on-site mental health facilities at doctors’ clinics would make it far easier for struggling individuals to get the help they need.
Making sure our people have adequate access to health facilities and support is of great importance to the community.
Roading is an area that constantly needs to be addressed. Increasingly used roads need more developed safety improvements, including roads in areas that have changed over time (such as areas becoming an industrial zone), intersections that slow to a standstill leading to dangerous driving behaviours, and aging backstreets increasingly becoming more dangerous.
Addressing homelessness and inequalities is important, as it is important to understand that Hastings does well when everyone does well.
While transitioning our district into a more sustainable area, we need councillors that recognise the loss of jobs in unsustainable industries including waste, oil and gas. This is so we can assist people into renewable industries.
Involving rangatahi throughout the transition to sustainable industries will make sure we have long lasting change.
It is important to understand that sustainability comes in many forms, and council needs to be addressing every single aspect.
