Greenprint will make the coast better

The overwhelmingly positive response to a document that safeguards a town’s environmental integrity could set a green precedent.
JUDI DAVIS REPORTS. SOUTH COAST HERALD 4 April 2008
SOUTHBROOM residents have pledged the unanimous support for the adoption of a 'greenprint' for their town's future.
The 'greenprint' goes by the lengthy name, 'Towards the Implementation and Enforcement of the Mpenjati Southbroom Town Plan for Eco¬logically Sensitive and Sustainable Coastal De¬velopment'. It was commissioned by Southbroom Conservancy and Ratepayers' Association.
In a nutshell, it is a set of guidelines for main¬taining Southbroom's environmental integrity. It also sets out how residents could ensure that future development is sympathetic to their town's essential character.
A renowned environmental management specialist, Dr Jeff McCarthy, is the author of the 'greenprint'. He has drawn it up within the parameters of zoning and other town planning laws and bylaws and general environmental legislation.
As Southbroom is a seaside town, Dr Mc¬Carthy was mindful of the Integrated Coastal Management Plan White Paper. This is expected to become a bill and, as such, part of South Africa's legislation very soon.
Presenting his document at a well supported meeting in Southbroom last week, Dr McCarthy, said it was important for residents to recognise the uniqueness of their town. Also at the meet¬ing was Neil Fox, from the provincial planning department and representatives of Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
As Dr McCarthy pointed out, Southbroom has a peaceful, rural atmosphere, much privately owned land that is environmentally sound, three coastal estuaries and a number of small reserves and conserved areas.
Even its attractive golf course has envi¬ronmental value, particularly as it serves as a filter for surface water. The town was well protected by an inherently sound town plan¬ning system, which, however, did require some refinement, he said.
As short-term measures to protect the town from unsound development, the document suggests that residents monitor the estuaries carefully, reinforce the protection of conserved areas and ensure the strict enforcement of town planning legislation.
It also stresses the importance of working with local government and province to ensure “sympathetic development in sympathy with its surrounds".
However, for the 'greenprint' to carry weight, Dr McCarthy believed it would need the commitment, involvement and support of the people of Southbroom and the greater South Coast community.
The 'greenprint' has ramifications beyond the borders of Southbroom. Already, residents of other towns have expressed an interest in it. As supporters of the Southbroom initiative point out, if all SOUTH COAST towns drew up their own 'greenprint' documents and committed themselves to upholding them, the SOUTH COAST would be a better place for all its residents.