Saunders, W.S.A.; Beban, J.G.; Kilvington, M. 2013 Risk-based land use planning for natural hazard risk reduction. Lower Hutt: GNS Science. GNS Science miscellaneous series 67 vi, 97 p.
Abstract: Planners have a responsibility to ensure that the safety and security of present and future communities are not compromised by urban growth and development. As such, land use planning is often described as an opportune tool for reducing or even eliminating risks related to natural hazards. Many land use planning objectives, policies, rules, and decisions are based around a likelihood assessment of a natural hazard, such as the 1/100 year event. Alternatively, they may be based around what is termed the ‘acceptable level of risk’, which is not defined. As likelihood alone does not give the full picture of the impact or consequences of a natural hazard event, and acceptable risk has no standard definition, many developments are being approved which have substantially increased the risks (or potential risks) to people and property. To assist planners to define levels of risk, and to include natural hazard risk in land use planning, a five-step risk-based approach has been developed with an associated engagement strategy. This report outlines the content of an online toolkit on risk-based planning (available at http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/RBP/Risk-based-planning), as at September 2013. As such, the web page is the most up to date version of content. The toolkit will be relevant to decision makers, planners, and others with an interest in risk-based planning. This toolbox aims to support risk-based land use policy and plan development in local government. It offers a new approach where consequences of natural hazard events are the focus. It presents techniques, practice steps and options for enabling local government to review multiple natural hazard risks within councils, with external stakeholders, and with the wider community. Similar to the toolbox, this report has three key sections: • Setting the scene for why this approach is important; • The five-step risk-based approach for natural hazards; and • Examples of implementation. (auth)
