Attachment 5: Alignment of Infrastructure Sectors with Sustainable Development Objectives
1. Infrastructure investment and consumption of infrastructure services have significant implications for achievement of sustainable development objectives, as infrastructure services:
- Underpin many aspects of economic and social activity;
- Facilitate the flow of ideas, goods and services;
- Facilitate regional economic growth;25
- Are critical to maintain an inclusive, healthy and productive workforce;
- Involve large scale investment with significant environmental impacts; and
- Generate a range of externalities in their production and consumption.
Transport
2. The recent Land Transport Management Act (2003) has brought some of the transport agencies' objectives in alignment with the Government's sustainable development programme (namely, Transfund and Transit). The aim of the LTMA is "achieving an integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable land transport system". The five objectives of the New Zealand Transport Strategy (2003) are based on sustainable development principles.
Water
3. The Local Government Act (2002) provides for "local authorities to play a broad role in promoting the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of their communities, taking a sustainable development approach." City and district councils are responsible for water and wastewater management, as well as for local roading.
4. The SDPoA specifically targeted quality and allocation of freshwater. The current work programme to achieve the goal of "adequate, clean freshwater for all" is primarily focused on water allocation and use; water quality - managing land use; and the national interest in water.
Energy
5. The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2001) takes account of sustainability principles. The Government Policy Statements on gas, electricity and electricity governance specify that industry arrangements and electricity provision should be consistent with sustainable development.
6. The current SDPoA work programme on energy is targeted to "ensure the delivery of energy services to all classes of consumer in an efficient, fair, reliable and sustainable manner."
Telecommunications
7. Given that telecommunications providers are accountable to shareholders, financial objectives are the primary driver for decision-making. To supplement these motivations, the Government has introduced specific policy initiatives such as the Telecommunications Services Obligation, Kiwi Share Obligation agreements and Project PROBE to address social objectives of sustainable development.
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