Roza & Overijssel Democracy in action
Foreword The province of Overijssel is active in many areas of your environment. Take for instance the impressive network of buses that can take you anywhere you want to go in the region. But public transport is just a small part of what we do. The provincial government makes decisions on a daily basis that shape your environment. These decisions are sometimes very hard to make: should we make room for nature or allow development of a business park that will create jobs? That’s why I think it’s important for you to know what we do, and to know how to get in touch when necessary. Because we can only make the right choices if we know what you think. This brochure and film shows you how the provincial government of Overijssel works and how we manage your environment. If you want to know more please visit our website www.jijenoverijssel.nl. or feel free to attend a meeting of the Provincial Council. Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, Queen’s Commissioner in the province Overijssel
Overijssel The province of Overijssel covers 3,421 km2, and is home to over 1.1 million people distributed over 25 municipalities. It is a great place to live, work and play. As a province we believe it is important that everyone can flourish. That there are jobs and room for business. That there is an abundance of beautiful nature and that you can live and play in pleasant surroundings. We make sure that the roads are not congested, that there are opportunities for innovation, that public transport runs smoothly and that the facilities in the towns and rural areas are excellent. Every day we work together to make Overijssel more liveable, more beautiful, safer and more accessible. We do this by working with the municipal governments, water boards, central government, civil society organisations and residents. And together we decide the future of our province.
Want to know more? Visit www.overijssel.nl and www.jijenoverijssel.nl
A beautiful province to live, work and grow up in.
Overijssel Flag The provincial flag consists of five horizontal bars in red, yellow and blue. The blue meandering line symbolises the river IJssel. The yellow and red represent the colours of our coat of arms.
How is the province governed? The province is governed by the Provincial Council. Its 47 members are elected once every four years by the inhabitants of Overijssel entitled to vote. It is their responsibility to set the framework, provide oversight and represent public interests. As with national elections, a coalition is formed following the local elections, after which a plan is prepared for the next four years. The coalition agreement of 2011-2015 is entitled ‘Power of Overijssel’ (Kracht van Overijssel).
Overijssel Provincial Executive The Provincial Executive consists of the Queen´s Commissioner and five elected members, each with their own portfolio. It conducts the day-to-day administration of the province. The Provincial Executive is supported by the provincial secretary/director who heads the provincial civil service.
Queen’s Commissioner Ms Ank Bijleveld-Schouten became Queen’s Commissioner in Overijssel on 1 January 2011. The Queen’s Commissioner is nominated by the Provincial Executive and is then appointed by the Queen for a period of six years. She is chair of the Provincial Council, as well as the board of the Provincial Executive. As head of the Provincial Executive she also has voting rights, although she does not have the right to vote in the Provincial Council. She is politically objective and represents the interests of Overijssel in The Hague and Brussels. She plays an important part in the appointment of the mayor of Overijssel and acts as the face of the province on many areas. She is also responsible for the ‘Quality of Government’ portfolio.
The Provincial Executive. From left to right: Hester Maij, Bert Boerman, Gerrit Jan Kok, secretary Harry Timmerman, Ineke Bakker, Theo Rietkerk and Queen’s Commissioner Ank Bijleveld-Schouten.
Core tasks What does the province do? The province acts as the layer of administration between the municipalities and the central government. The province deals with spatial planning, including water management, in addition to public transport and roads, regional economy, nature, culture and heritage. We focus our activities on a number of core tasks: • Regional development. • Sustainable spatial development and planning, including water management. • Environment and energy. • Rural development. • Regional accessibility and public transport. • Regional economy. • Cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation. • Quality of government. • Social infrastructure, youth policy and other non-core tasks. For more information about our core tasks please visit www.overijssel.nl/kerntaken.
“The province of Overijssel gives creative entrepreneurs the space to bloom in the most beautiful part of Deventer!� Kim Snijders, Dok H2O
Core tasks Investments 2011-2015 The ‘Power of Overijssel’ coalition agreement not only outlines our plans for the coming four years, it also indicates the amount earmarked for core tasks. The total budget for this period is almost € 1 billion, and the pie chart on this page provides a breakdown of funding for each core task.
Regional development There are a number of often major projects relating to regional development that cannot be categorised under one core task. As these projects fall under several core tasks a separate budget of € 207 has been allocated for them.
€ 207 million
Quality of government € 5 million Cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation € 6 million Regional economy € 106 million
Regional accessibility and public transport. € 466 million
Total € 986,4 million* * As at 1 January 2012
Regional development € 207 million Social infrastructure, youth policy and other non-core tasks. € 27 million
Sustainable spatial development and planning, including water management. € 8 million
Environment and energy. € 24.4 million
Rural development € 137 million
Core tasks Sustainable spatial development planning, including water management Spatial development planning is about the bigger picture, not just the creation of a residential area, business park, road or nature reserve. The province is responsible for the spatial quality and development in Overijssel. Our goal is to build and maintain a healthy society where people can feel at home. Where cities and towns offer sufficient employment and cultural activities, and where the inhabitants, nature, agriculture and water in rural areas complement each other. This is outlined in our Environmental Vision (Omgevingsvisie), a single coherent approach uniting all our plans for the region, traffic and transportation, water resources and the environment.
Examples • IJsseldelta-Zuid. • Starter’s loan. • Environmental Vision.
€ 8 million
“I think the first-time buyer loan is the perfect choice for people looking to secure a mortgage during these difficult times. It can make all the difference!” Henk Teekman, first-time buyer
Core tasks Environment and energy A healthy and safe living and working environment is vital for prosperity and welfare. With proper permits and smart controls we can ensure everyone living in Overijssel has a healthy and safe environment in which to live and work. The cost of fossil fuels is rising. That is why the province backs new energy and energy efficiency. This will ultimately create jobs and reduce energy costs and makes Overijssel an attractive choice for businesses. The province also stimulates sustainable and climate-neutral building.
Examples • Bio-fermentation. • New energy: green gas, biogas, green electricity and solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy. • Remediation of asbestos roads.
€ 24,4 million
“Ben & Jerry’s has developed the world’s first bio-fermentation technology that can convert ice cream waste, containing high levels of cream and fats, into bio-energy. This innovation reflects Unilever’s commitment to halving energy consumption, waste and water use by 2020. And this fits in seamlessly with the province of Overijssel’s ambition.” Rudi van der Arend, Ben & Jerry’s Hellendoorn
Core tasks Rural development Overijssel has a great diversity of nature and landscape. These areas, rich in different species and natural beauty, are integral parts of a viable and healthy living environment and a vital economy. The form and purpose of the various landscapes and sites in Overijssel are important. Is an area for example suitable for recreation, nature or does it offer opportunities for generating energy? Overijssel is a green province, where nature is our backbone. Our province is home to two Dutch National Landscapes, two national parks and countless cycling routes. Not only is Overijssel a beautiful place to live in, it also attracts many tourists. And that of course benefits our economy.
Examples • Project Oude Radewijkerbeek, Hardenberg. • National Landscapes NoordoostTwente and IJsseldelta. • National Parks Weerribben-Wieden and Sallandse Heuvelrug.
€ 137 million
“Oude Radewijkerbeek is part of the Vechtpark project, carried out by the Velt & Vecht Water Board and the municipality of Hardenberg. This large park, covering 180 hectares, combines water, nature and different visitor experiences. The province is a partner in the project, and not only makes a financial contribution, but is also actively involved in achieving the various objectives.” Alwin te Rietstap, municipality of Hardenberg
Core tasks Regional accessibility and public transport We want everyone to be able to move around in Overijssel easily, quickly and safely. Good accessibility is vital for the economy and the mobility of our residents and visitors. That is why we invest in a high quality and attractive range of roads and waterways, public transport and cycling paths and cycle facilities. Depending on your destination, you can choose to get there by bike, car, bus or train.
Examples • Improvements to the Almelo-De Haandrik Canal. • Maintenance of provincial roads. • More bicycle parking facilities at stations.
€ 466 million
“The widening of the bridges over the Almelo-De Haandrik Canal means we can build broader houseboats. We can now compete better with other houseboat builders.� Gerjan Olsman, Van de Water Arkenbouw
Core tasks Regional economy The province of Overijssel takes charge of regional economic policy under the motto “Strengthen, Sustain, Stimulate”. The province focuses on the sectors that are key to economic development in Overijssel and the Netherlands, namely high-tech systems and materials, energy, chemicals and plastics, and healthcare and technology. In addition, the province has opted to further strengthen sectors of regional significance, including tourism, food and construction. The province is committed to creating a competitive economic climate that is attractive to businesses, and where education responds to the requirements of businesses. Government policy is aimed at ensuring the Netherlands regains its place among the top five knowledge economies of the world, and the new economic policy of the province of Overijssel contributes significantly to this. € 106 million
Examples • Restructuring of business areas. • Production of hi-tech materials, such as nanotechnology and polymers. • Stimulating a strong tourism and recreation sector.
The province invests in the University of Twente. Students from all over the world want to complete their studies here because of UT’s reputation for innovation. Nanotechnology development is just one example.
Core tasks Cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation What a region can offer in terms of culture is an important factor for people looking for somewhere to live. There is a clear relationship between an area’s cultural environment and liveability. Moreover, a varied offer of culture is considered by many young people to be an essential factor when choosing somewhere to live. Art, culture and heritage also stimulate the local economy and contribute to employment opportunities and innovation. Good reasons to maintain Overijssel’s thriving cultural climate. We do this together with the province of Gelderland and other major cities in this area. The province is also responsible for supporting municipalities in heritage and archaeology. In addition, Overijssel is obliged (as is the case with all provinces) to maintain at least one regional television channel, which in this case is RTV Oost.
Examples • Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle. • Overijssel Liberation Festival. • RTV Oost.
€ 6 million
“Museum de Fundatie wants to offer everyone the chance to enjoy art. Our Palace in Zwolle is undergoing a major expansion and the sculpture garden at Castle Het Nijenhuis has already been renovated. The province of Overijssel not only provides financial support, what many people don’t know is that it also has its own magnificent art collection including works by Paul Citroen, Jan Voerman and Karel Appel. What a delight to have these in our museums!” Ralph Keuning, Museum de Fundatie
Core tasks Quality of Government The people of Overijssel are our highest priority. They must be confident that their interests are in safe hands, which is why we want to ensure outstanding quality of the provincial and local government. We actively seek opportunities for cooperation with other government bodies, and we also have a legal supervisory role for the municipalities, in areas such as finances. Last but not least, we actively seek to involve citizens in shaping policy.
Social infrastructure, child welfare and other non-core tasks. We invite members of the public to share their expertise, ideas and expectations of their environment with us. The province has the statutory task of ensuring there are sufficient child welfare facilities in Overijssel, although this responsibility will be transferred to the municipalities as of 2015.
â‚Ź 27 million â‚Ź 5 million
Colophon Publication
Crew
Province of Overijssel, June 2012
Marjanne van Arendonk, Arnold Bomhof, Lukas Brouwer, Robert-Jan Glas,
Production
Raymond Hartman, Gerwin Lucas,
Bureau Beeldtaal Filmmakers
DaniĂŤl Nijenhuis, Bart Oerbekke, Willem Spier
Actors
Text and coordination
Roza: Jolijn van Ginkel
Province of Overijssel
Mark: Peter Oude Wesselink Lecturer: Dirk van der Pol
Photography
Father: Koos Landeweerd
Marjo Baas, Tekstbureau Kroes,
Lotte: Nana Osei Boahene
Femke Teussink, Ben Vulkers
Extras
Graphic design
Marjanne van Arendonk,
Artnic Creatief in communicatie
Tristan van Arendonk, Pim Bakker, Priscilla Bruinekreeft,
With thanks to
Uwe Dobberstein, Manjeet Kaur,
Saxion Hogeschool, Gerwin Lucas, Ben & Jerry’s,
Bart Oerbekke, Joost van Schie,
Museum de Fundatie, Gemeente Hardenberg,
Sukhpreet Singh and students of
Nanolab Enschede, Makelaardij Hypodomus
Puck Haverkamp, Saxion Hogeschool
Steenwijk, Dok H2O, Vincent Weijermars, Camille Gruter
Roza & Overijssel Democracy in action Roza is a student at the university. One day her lecturer tells her to find out exactly what the province does. Reluctantly she starts her mission. Follow Roza on her quest through the province. From the Hall of States, via the Nano lab to the museum: Roza discovers the province does a lot more than she thought!
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