The “Topic-based plan”
Description
Topic-based plans tend to be based around dealing with a single issue, or a specific group of issues associated with a particular topic (such as on-site effluent management). In New Zealand they are often associated with the first generation of regional plans.
A variation on the topic-based plan is the comprehensive topic-based plan. Such plans may deal with a series of topics in sequential fashion, with each topic being (sometimes entirely) contained in a discrete section or chapter within one overall document. Such an approach is increasingly being used by regional councils and unitary authorities (for example in the Auckland Regional Council Air, Land and Water plan, or the Tasman District Resource Management Plan).
Sample organisation
Table of Contents
Resource Description: Air Quality
Introduction
- Purpose of plan
- Plan preparation process
- Plan structure
Statutory Framework
- Resource Management Act
- Functions of Regional Council
- Other regional plans
- District plans
Iwi Perspective
Management Approach
- Role of Air Quality Guidelines and Codes of Practice
- Best Practicable Option
- Education and provision of Information
Significant Air Quality Issues
Objectives
Policies
Methods
Principal reasons for adopting objectives, policies and methods
Rules
- Rules for discharges to air
- Rules for discharges of contaminants to air from industrial premises
- Information requirements
- Assessment criteria
Administrative Matters
- Notification and non-notification
- Joint hearings
- Duration of resource consents
- Objections and appeals
Bonds and Financial Contributions
- Objectives
- Policies
- Circumstances and purposes for which financial contributions may be required
Definitions
Appendices and Maps
Advantages
- A topic-based plan is able to deal with effects in a transparent manner as provisions are clearly linked to the specific topic or issue the plan covers.
- Each individual plan can be smaller than one large plan (less intimidating for the plan reader).
- Plans can be developed with relatively limited resources (as not every topic has to be researched and developed at once).
- Each individual plan can cover a lot of detail relating to the issue, and the methods by which the issue is to be managed. (This may not be so practicable in the comprehensive topic model due to the resulting size.)
Disadvantages
- The approach may result in a large number of individual plans (if not combined into a comprehensive topic model). This may mean that it becomes easy to miss linkages with other plans that may have a bearing on a particular development or resource use proposal.
- Research and the development of policy for some topic areas may lag behind others, so that at times policy is not compatible or fully integrated, or all effects on the environment are not able to be managed.
- Less suitable for district plans or regional plans that have to deal with many wide-ranging issues, issues that are closely interrelated, or those that require a strategic overview approach for their management.
- Plans may vary in style, wording, and organisation over time. This may result in added complexity and confusion in their administration.
- Applicants with complex proposals may find themselves having to deal with several plans (adding to complexity, bulk, or the likelihood that provisions will be missed).
Example plans
Environment Bay Of Plenty On-site Effluent Management Plan
Regional Soil Plan for Taranaki
Environment Southland Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (PDF 889 KB)
