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Implementing a program without an understanding what problems you need to address, or solely because a national, state or regional authority requires it, will not be successful unless it is recognised that it addresses a local issue.
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in New Zealand focused initially on sediment removal and more recently has gravitated to removal of metals to prot ect downstream aquatic resources. You have to have a clear understanding of what problems you want to solve by implementing a program. Then you have to communicate that understanding to politicians, management and the general public so they can understand why program implementation is important.
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Christchurch stream - removal of concrete channel and re-establishment of a natural stream.
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Understand what you are getting into 0
So many programs start with an initial burst of enthusiasm without understanding that program implementation is not a short term issue. As long as land use change occurs and population increases, program implementation is important. Program implementation requires the following elements: • An institutional framework, • A reliable, adequate funding source, • Adequate resources, and • Effective leadership. Having 'sunset' type legislation presents a problem in terms of program development, implementation and evolution. Legislation having sunset clauses is very common in Australia and does significantly impact on program implementation. Too often st aff has to spend time attempting to get new funding approved or the program ceases to function. Stormwater management has to be considered as being integral to overall site development processes and not just an 'add-on'. It is a long-t erm program as much as any other element of the development process. The issue of fu nding is of particular concern as fu nding for stormwater programs is often considered as being negotiable in times when budget cuts or new programs are being considered. A stable funding mechanism that is somewhat divorced from the annual political process is essential to ensure long-term program function. There are some lessons that can be learned from considering international literature related to stormwater program funding (Landcare Research, 2005). • Funding systems adopted in individual jurisdictions in North America and Europe are highly context specific.
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Figure 2. Effects of Urbanisation on Macroinvertebrate Communities with and Without Stormwater Ponds. • Common elements, however, include concern over increasing urbanisation , declining environmental health, increasing resistance to non-specific taxes and rates , and to public debt. Consistent trends are towards recognising the private benefits of services, differentiating between specific services and implementing target use-based charges. • There is considerable international experience in the detailed design and implementation of impervious area charg ing syst ems. The advantage of impervious area charging systems are that they are assessed based on the contribution of runoff from different land uses. The fee can be a monthly or annual fee and is separate from the annual budgetary process that impacts on so many programs. Unless a stable long-term funding approach is implemented, program implementation wi ll always have ups and downs depending on the political climate at any one time.
Evolution has to Occur Most of us live in a fairly sterile environment, where the landscape is dominated by buildings, streets, footpaths and other impervious surfaces. We are, for the most part, disconnected from nature. Only by preserving something of the natural environment can we retain a sense of place, an identity with the land, and have a d istinctive sense of being part of our environment.
water MARCH 2009 49